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DR. E. D. BARBER.
OSTEOPATHY
The New Science of Healing,
#
PRESS OF
HUDKON-KIMBERLY PUBLISHING CO.
KANSAS CITY, MO.
4S
10& 9<e6
Copyright, 1896,
by
Dr. 13. D. Barber.
an
INDEX.
Symptoms of 24
Cause of 24
Treatment 27
Symptoms of 147
Treatment 148
Cause of 52
Gathered 167
e 148
is, Symptoms of
is Treatment
'lux, Symptoms of..
'lux, Cause of
'lux Treatment ,
ver, Symptoms of.,
ver, Cause of
ver Treatment
ss, Symptoms of..
3S, Treatment for.,
. 35
. 35
. 55
. 56
. 81
100
.101
.102
.149
.149
.149
Disease, Symptoms of.. 74
Disease Treatment for.. 76
•n of the Blood 22
;ion, Symptoms of 31
ion, Cause of 31
ion Treatment 32
pinal Meningitis, Symp-
; 44
pmal Meningitis Treat-
45
28
28
[orbus, Symptoms of.. 56
[orbus, Cause of 56
lorbus Treatment 61
theBowels, Cause of... 62
the Bowels, Treatment
,.. 62
the Stomach, Treat-
r 65
iarrhea, Symptoms of. 65
arrhea, Treatment for. 65
out : 152
:m, Symptoms of 66
m, Cause of 67
m Treatment 69
Chills, Symptoms of. 99
Chills, Treatment for. 100
113, 134, 138, 139
Deafness 134, 139
the Mouth 150
Le Neck 150
.152
is
he Legs.
Life
-eathing
Symptoms of. . .
Cause of
Treatment for.
.153
.154
.164
. 28
. 36
. 39
Process of.
mptoms of..
use of
jatment for.
Dripping Eyes 138
Dizziness 151
Diseases of the Head 134
Eczema, Symptoms of 126
Eczema, Treatment for 126
Erysipelas of the Face 134
Erysipelas of the Face, Symp-
toms of 141
Erysipelas of the Face, Treat-
ment for 141
Earache 150
Eyes, Dripping 134, 138
Fever and Ague, Symptoms of.. 99
Fever and Ague, Treatment for.. 100
Fevers 112
Fistula, Treatment for 145
Feet, Cold 148
Feet, Hot 148
Feet, Aching 148
Fits 152
Fainting h)5
General Treatment of the Spine. 32
General Treatment 93
General Debility 97
General Debility, Treatment for. 97
General Treatment of the Neck.. 134
Granulated Eyelids 134, 137
Goitre, Symptoms of 130
Goitre, Treatment for 133
Gout, Chronic 152
Heart Disease 80
Heart Disease, Treatment for — 86
Heart, Feeble Action of 92
Hart, Enlargement of the 91
Heart, Enlargement of the, Treat-
ment for 91
Headache, Treatment for 107
Headache, Nervous, Treatment
for 108
Headache, Sick, Cause of 108
Headache, Sick, Treatment for.. 108
Hiccough 112
Hay Fever 113
Hoarseness 152
Hip Disease 152
Indigestion, Symptoms and Cause
of 73
Indigestion, Treatment for 74
Inflammation of the Kidneys 74
Inflammation of the Kidneys,
Treatment for 76
Inflammation of the Eyes... 134, 137
Inflammation of the Eyes, Treat-
ment for 137
KidneyDisease 74
Lame Back, Treatment for 122
Leucorrhea 164
Menstruation, Suppressed 163
Man as a Machine 21
Membraneous Croup, Symptoms
of 40
Membraneous Croup, Treatment
for 40
Mumps 134, 140
Milk Leg. 148
ZT" /\ n
INDEX.
Nursing Sore Mouth 43
Neuralgia, Symptoms of 144
Neuralgia, Treatment for 144
Osteopathy in a Nutshell 15
Osteopathy, How to Apply 18
Obstetrics 168
Pimples 151
Prof^CG 9
Putrid Sore' Throat \ .'....' '..'.\ '.'.'. 43
Palsy 46
Paralysis, Symptoms of 46
Paralysis, Cause of 46
Paralysis, How to Make the Ex-
amination in 48
Paralysis, Treatment for 48
Polypus of the Nose 134, 139
Pneumonia, Symptoms of 143
Pneumonia, Treatment for 143
Piles 146
Pleurisy 28
Reasearches of E. D. Barber. . . 11
Rheumatism, Acute, Symptoms
of 113
Rheumatism, Acute, Treatment
for 117
Rheumatism, Chronic, Symptoms
of 114
Rheumatism, Chronic, Cause of. 114
Rheumatism, Chronic, Treatment
for 117
Rheumatism, Inflammatory,
Cause of ". 114
Rheumatism, Inflammatory,
Treatment for 117
Rheumatism in the Arms 118
Rheumatism of the Entire Sys-
tem, Treatment for 121
Rheumatism, Sciatic 122
Roaring in the Head 134-139
Spleen, Enlargement of the 79
Spleen, Enlargement of the,
Treatment for 80
St. Vitus's Dance 144
Skeleton 21, 169
Tracing a Dose of Medicine on
its Journey to an Affected
Part 115
Tonsils, Enlargement of the.. 134, 141
Torpid Liver 66
The Thyroid Gland 130
The Nervous System 47
The Liver 68
The Kidneys 75
The Spleen , 79
The Diaphragm Ill
The Arteries 22, 84
The Veins 22, S4, 95
The Nerves 23
The Heart 83
The Capillaries 84
The Brain 100
The Fallopian Tubes 156
The Uterus 155
The Ovaries 156
Tumors, Fleshy 133
Uterus, Displacements of the 157
Uterus, Prolapsus of the 157
Uterus, Anteversion .158
Uterus, Treatment for 160
Varicose Veins, Symptoms of 126
Varicose Veins, Treatment for... 126
Vomiting 65
White Swelling, Symptoms of 152
White Swelling, Treatment for.. 153
Whooping-Cough, Symptoms of.. 142
Whooping-Cough, Treatment for. 142
ERRATA.
On pages 96, 97, and 100, for "general treatment (page
32)" read "general treatment (page 93)."
EXPLANATORY.
Aponeurosis — A fibrous expansion of a tendon.
Conjunctiva — Mucous membrane of the eye.
Bifurcation — Dividing into two branches.
Pouparfs Ligament — Ligament in upper part of thigh.
Areola — A ring-like discoloration.
Arteriole — A small artery.
Radicle — A rootlet.
Sterno-clavicular Articulation — Articulation of the clavicle
(collar-bone) and sternum (breast-bone).
Aperients — Substances having power to open passages.
Protoplasm — Primitive organic cell matter.
Urea — Chief solid constituent of the urine.
Uric Acid — Acid normally found in urine.
Bile — Yellow bitter liquid secreted by the liver.
Ileocecal Valve — Valve between the ileum and caecum.
Crest of the Ileum— Upper free margin of the ileum.
Diaphragm — Muscular wall between the thorax and abdomen.
Tuberculosis — Infectious disease due to specific bacillus.
Hemiplegia — Paralysis of one side of the body.
Paralgia — Disordered sense of pain in a part.
Encephalon — The brain.
Foramina — Openings in the bones for passage of vessels and
nerves.
Esophagus — Canal leading from the larynx to the stomach.
Chyme — Food that has undergone gastric, but not intestinal,
digestion.
Pharynx — Musculo-membraneous sac behind the mouth.
Larynx — Upper part of windpipe.
Pyloric Orifice — Opening in pyloric end of stomach.
Duodenum — First part of the small intestine.
OSTEOPATHY.
Thyroid Cartilage — Largest laryngeal cartilage.
Tendon — White fibrous tissue, attachment of the muscles.
Peripheral Nerves — Peripheral, pertaining to the circumfer-
ence or boundary line.
Ligament — A band of fibrous tissue binding parts together.
Cartilaginous — Pertaining to cartilage — viz., gristle.
Pleura — Serous membrane enveloping the lungs.
PREFACE.
By an examination of the literature of the world, it will hv.
found that the subject of Osteopathy has never yet been
placed before the public in book form. Its fundamental
principles were discovered by Dr. Andrew T. Still, and a
class established by him, of which the author is a graduate.
Knowing that Osteopathy is destined to revolutionize
the medical world, and realizing that even a limited knowl-
edge of this most wonderful science would save worlds of
suffering and thousands of human lives, as a duty we owe to
humanity we have thrust aside the vail of mystery in which
it has been shrouded and place it before the thinking world
in all its grandeur, simplicity, and truth.
As this book is intended to reach the masses, we will
endeavor to avoid as much as possible anatomical words and
medical phrases, which too long have been used to confuse
and mystify the people.
Dr. Elmer D. Barber.
/znV)
RESEARCHES OF DR. ELMER D. BARBER.
The author was born in Oneida, N. Y., May 17, 1858, and
when a mere boy arrived at the conclusion that the age of
miracles was past, and that all results could be traced to a
reasonable cause.
While in Jersey City, N. J., we met a gentleman who,
without the use of drugs or surgical instruments,by manip-
ulations which he could not explain, was curing hundreds
of people in a public hall.
Then came Paul Castor, whose cures were equally mar-
velous and likewise inexplicable. We visited faith doc-
tors and spiritualistic mediums and witnessed their results,
but found the principle on which they worked shrouded in
mystery.
We next heard of Dr. Andrew T. Still, who was effecting
cure after cure in a marvelous manner, upon (as he claimed)
scientific principles. We visited the old doctor, were con-
vinced that he had discovered the fundamental principles
on which were based the results accidentally reached by
others, and entered his School of Osteopathy, from which
we graduated March 2, 1895, with an average grade of 99 in
Anatomy and Physiology and 100 in Osteopathy.
While it is our desire to give Dr. Still credit for the new
science which he discovered, we must differ with him as to
the true cause of the results reached by the Osteopath.
While the good Doctor believes that nearly all diseases are
caused by dislocated bones, nearly always finding them and
thereby winning for himself the name of "Bone Doctor," in
our practice we never find a great number of dislocations and
by the same manipulation effect the same cures as Dr. Still.
If a bone is really dislocated and has been in that condition
\
T2 osteopathy,
for years, the dislocation can not be reduced; but if the
muscles are contracted, causing a stiff joint or depressing the
ribs, they can be quickly relieved by manipulation, and the
patient is easily led to believe that the bone was dislocated.
While we do not doubt for an instant that our classmates
are sincere in their belief that in catarrh, sore eyes, deafness,
and other disease of the head, the atlas is dislocated, and
that they cure these diseases by setting the atlas, we believe
that twisting, pulling, and stretching the neck in a vain
attempt to move the atlas stretches the muscles, thereby
freeing the circulation and permitting Nature to assert her-
self. Be they right or wrong, our readers can cure any acute
disease in the head, almost instantly, by gently pulling on the
head and rotating it in all directions; and any chronic com-
plaint, except cancer, total deafness, or total blindness, by
a continuation of the same method. We all agree upon the
one great point that man is a machine, and that Dr. A. T.
Still has discovered centers upon which a pressure of the
hand will cause the heart to slow or quicken its action, from
which we can regulate the action of the stomach, bowels,
liver, pancreas, kidneys, and the diaphragm. The thousands
of people snatched from the grave by an application of these
never-failing principles are proof postive that at last the
keynote has been struck; that at last a man is found and a
school established that can explain intelligently why certain
manipulations produce certain results we all agree.
Viewing the brain, the cerebro-spinal cord, and the nerves
as an immense telegraph system (the brain acting not only
as a great dynamo, generating the forces which control and
move the body, but as headquarters, receiving and sending
messages to all parts of the body; the slender nerves passing
through, under, over, and between the hundreds of bones,
muscles, arteries, veins, ligaments, and various organs), can
you wonder that the wires are sometimes down,that the com
OSTEOPATHY. 1 3
munication is occasionally cut off between headquarters and
some important office, or that paralysis is the result? Do
you wonder that occasionally the wires are crossed, and that
the message (possibly to the bowels, to discharge their load)
is received by the kidneys, which promptly obey the order?
The bowels having failed to respond to orders from head-
quarters, a second message goes over the wires, and again
the kidneys answer the summons; the result is kidney disease
and constipation. Will you pour poisonous drugs into the
unoffending stomach, which has never failed to obey an
order received, or would it be advisable to try and fix the
wires? While we cannot go directly to the nerves at fault,
we can, by manipulations, which will be fully described under
their proper head, stretch the contracted muscle that is
obstructing the current; whereupon, if the case has not
become chronic, the bowels will immediately resume their
functions and the excited kidneys will cease to act so rapidly.
In chronic cases it usually takes Nature from two to six
weeks to assert herself. In the nervous system, as in the
telegraphic, the current must not. be obstructed, or disease
and death are the result.
The massage treatment, which we believe is based upon
strength and ignorance, effects many remarkable cures by
moving the flesh and muscles in all possible directions over
the entire body. They unwittingly and unavoidably, if they
are very thorough, free the right spot, establishing the cir-
cuit, thus permitting Nature to assert herself.
Another very important part in this complicated machine
Ls the systemic, pulmonary, and portal circulation: the
arteries, cylindrical vessels, conveying the blood through
this network of nerves and muscles to all parts of the body;
the veins gathering up and returning it to the never-tiring
heart, pumping steadily throughout a lifetime, driving the
blood to the most remote part of the system and forcing it
I4 OSTEOPATHY.
to return. Is it to be wondered at that occasionally a muscle
contracts, after a hard day's work or exposure to the cold,
possibly obstructing some little river of blood on its journey
to nourish a given part? Do you wonder that the part in
question weakens from lack of nourishment and fails to
perform its allotted task? As it is the blood that must con-
vey all substances of nourishment to the different parts, is
it a wonder that the medicine never arrives at its destination?
Should a large artery be obstructed in a similar manner,
would it be surprising if the heart, working against heavy
odds, trying to pump the blood past the obstruction, in time
felt the pressure? in which case heart disease would be the
result. Shall we now convert the long-suffering stomach
into a drug store, or, viewing man as a machine, remove the
cause? Should the contraction be in the thigh, obstructing
the femoral artery, we have cold feet and limbs on one side
of the obstruction, and heart disease on the other. If the
veins returning the blood are obstructed in the same region,
we may have either dropsy, inflammatory rheumatism, ery-
sipelas, eczema, or varicose veins, caused by the stagnant,
pent-up blood, on one side, and heart disease on the other.
Having briefly referred to the bones that support the
nerves that control, and the blood that supplies, let us dwell
for a moment on the muscles that move and propel this won-
derful living machine. As the only power muscles have is
in contraction, they must be arranged in such a position and
so attached to the bone as to pull from any direction in which
it may be necessary to move a given part. Receiving as they
do not only their orders to act, but their motor power, from
that great dynamo the brain, they may be justly compared
to so many electric cars. One car may be larger and stronger
than another, but, deprived of the current from that slender
wire, which of itself is nothing, neither can move from its
position. Is this not indeed a delicate and complicated
OSTEOPATHY. I5
piece of machinery, the nerves and fluids of the body moving
unobstructed through the hundreds of rapidly contracting
and relaxing muscles? We state most emphatically that the
true cause of all disease may be traced to some muscle which
has contracted and for some unaccountable reason has failed
to relax, thus interfering with all the forces of life. It is by
working on these principles which we have briefly sketched
that we achieve results bordering on the miraculous; it is by
working on these principles that Dr. Still draws patients
from the length and breadth of our land; it is by working on
these same principles, fully explained and illustrated in the
following pages, that any family can attain the same results.
OSTEOPATHY IN A NUTSHELL.
First: Using the arms and limbs as levers, stretching
all muscles to which they give attachment and moving the
flesh and muscles from side to side the entire length of the
limb stretches and softens those muscles, thus permitting a
free flow of the fluids and nerve forces to these parts, a
stoppage of which means disease in some of its varied forms.
One thorough treatment of an arm or leg will often instantly
cure and always relieve an acute case of any nature in the
extremities, and a very few treatments, administered one
each day, will cure any acute case. Chronic cases can be
usually cured by a continuation of the treatment, every other
day, for from two to six weeks, even after all other methods
have been tried and failed.
Second: Move and soften, by deep manipulations and
by rotating the body as much as possible, all the muscles of
the spine, the cerebro-spinal cord being the great trunk from
which springs the spinal nerves, it being contained in and
protected by the upper three-fourths of the spinal column,
which is very flexible, consisting of many separate bones,
!6 OSTEOPATHY.,
between which is placed the elastic intravertebral cartilage.
As the spinal nerves which control the different muscles,
organs, etc., escape from the spinal cord through openings
or foramina in the different sections of the vertebral column,
it will be readily understood that the numerous muscles
which are attached to and move the spine must always be
very soft and elastic; that contraction here means inter-
ference with nerves that may control some distant part and
a consequent partial or complete paralysis of that part, until
by manipulation or accidentally you stretch the muscle at
fault, thus turning on the current from that great dynamo
the brain, and once more your machine moves forward.
What would be your opinion of a motorman, when his car
came to a standstill through lack of motor power, if he poured
medicine on the wheels? It would be just as sensible as
converting the stomach into an apothecary's shop, hoping
thereby to remove an obstruction which was breaking the
current between headquarters and the liver. We find that
there are very few organic troubles Avhose origin may not be
traced directly to the spine and cured by a thorough treat-
ment of the spinal column continued every second day for
from two to six weeks. In 90 per cent of all cases immediate
relief will be the result of the first treatment.
Third: Using the head as a lever, move and stretch all
the muscles of the neck. This treatment frees the circula-
tion to the head, an obstruction of which is the true cause
of catarrh, weak eyes, deafness, roaring in the head, dizziness,
and, in fact, almost all disorders of the head. Many acute
cases can be instantly cured, while those that have become
chronic require from two to six weeks.
Fourth: Bending the patient backward, with the knee
pressing on the back just below the last rib, will instantly
cure any case of looseness of the bowels, from common
OSTEOPATHY. 1 7
diarrhea to bloody flux, and a continuation of the treatment
will cure any case of chronic diarrhea.
Fifth: A nerve-center has been discovered at the base
of the brain, termed vaso-motor, which can be reached by a
pressure on the back of the neck over the upper cervicals. A
pressure at this point continued from three to five minutes
will slow the action of the heart, often reducing the pulse
from 100 to a normal condition in a few minutes' time. It is
from this center that, without the use of drugs, we control
fevers, curing any fever that is curable in one-half the time
that the same work can be done with medicine.
H'wAh: In all cases where the general system seems to
be affected, give a general treatment, thus freeing and per-
mitting all the forces of the machine to act.
Seventh: Never treat an acute case often er than once
in three hours, or a chronic case oftener than once a day.
Eighth: It is never safe to use this treatment during
pregnancy, except in diseases of the head or extremities, and
in those with caution. To draw the arms high and strongly
above the head, at the same instant pressing on the spine
below the last dorsal vertebra, or to flex the limbs strongly
against the chest, during this period, is dangerous in the
extreme.
Ninth: While this treatment will improve the action
and remove the pain in stiff, chronic dislocated joints, the
dislocation can never be reduced. We have seen it tried
and tried it ourselves a great many times, meeting with no
success where there was really a dislocation. There are a
great many cases where the patient is suffering from rheuma-
tism or a similar trouble in which the muscles are contracted,
and he can easily be led to believe that a dislocation does
really exist, and that the operator who simply stretches the
muscles has reduced the imaginary dislocation. This we
believe also to be the case regarding the many dislocated
!8 OSTEOPATHY.
ribs found by the average "bone doctor." While they may be
correct, we hare demonstrated the fact, times without num-
ber, that drawing the arms high above the head, at the same
instant pressing at almost any point with the knee immedi-
ately below the scapulas, thus stretching the muscles of the
chest and springing the ribs forward, will instantly cure
sharp acute pains in the sides or chest and certain cases of
heart disease, while a continuation of the same treatment
will cure asthma or consumption. It is on this vital point
that we differed in class as well as in practice with the other
members of our profession. While they trace most effects
to dislocated bones, and never fail to effect a cure if it is
within the bounds of reason, we effect equally remarkable
cures by simply stretching and manipulating the muscles,
thus freeing the circulation. While we do not believe it
possible that to hide his secrets a "bone doctor" would deceive
the public, we believe that in a vain attempt to set the bones
in the manner prescribed by Dr. Still the circulation is freed
and the patient recovers.
HOW TO APPLY OSTEOPATHY.
Fiist: Secure a pine table, two feet high, two feet wide,
and six feet long, over which spread a bed-quilt and at one
end place one or two pillows. While an acute case may be
treated on a chair, a couch, or on the floor, for a chronic case,
which is liable to take several weeks' treatment, it is always
advisable to secure a table.
Second: In treating a gentleman it is seldom necessary
to remove more than his outer clothing.
Third: A lady must loosen her tight clothing and re-
move her corset. The principles of Osteopathy as described
in this work can be applied successfully through a reasonable
amount of clothing, except in cases which will be apparent.
OSTEOPATHY. 2 1
MAN AS A MACHINE.
The entire skeleton in the adult consists of two hundred
distinct bones, articulating with each other in perfect har-
mony. Some are arranged to allow the utmost freedom of
motion, others are limited, while others are fixed and immov-
able. On the bones are many prominences for the attach-
ment of muscles and ligaments and many openings (or
foramina) for the entrance of nutrient vessels.
The thorax is a bony cage formed by the ribs, the dorsal
vertebrse, and the sternum; it contains the principal organs
of respiration and circulation.
Should the muscles of the chest contract, as is often the
case, springing the ribs, which are the most elastic bones in
the body, lessening the dimensions of the thorax, we have
asthma, consumption, or heart disease; while a partial dis-
location of the lower ribs, caused by contracting muscles,
causes enlargement of the spleen, stomach trouble, and
various other diseases which can readily be cured by manip-
ulations.
There are over five hundred muscles in the human body
connected with the bones, cartilage, and skin, either directly
or through the intervention of fibrous structures called ten-
dons or aponeuroses. Muscles differ much in size; the
gastrocnemius forms the chief bulk of the back of the leg,
and the fibers of the sartorius are nearly two feet in length,
while the stapedius, a small muscle of the internal ear, weighs
about a grain, and its fibers are less than two lines in length.
Now, having briefly mentioned the bones and the muscles
we will touch upon the arteries that nourish this most inter-
esting and intricate piece of machinery.
22 OSTEOPATHY.
CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD.
The course taken by the blood on its way to the various
parts of the body is called the systemic circulation, on account
of its having to make repeatedly the circuit of vessels leading
to and from the heart.
The arteries are small cylindrical muscular vessels, and
might be compared to rivers throwing a branch to each mus-
cle in their course, while the veins gather up and return the
venous blood to the heart, where it is pumped through the
pulmonary arteries to the lungs.
It will now be readily understood, as the heart is a
double pump, driving the blood through the arteries and
veins, that the contraction of muscles throwing a pressure
on arteries or veins which pass through, under, or between
them would certainly affect the heart and necessarily derange
the entire system. We trust that our readers will note these
points carefully, as we expect to prove that many cases of
heart disease, rheumatism, dropsy, neuralgia, tumor, goitre,
and cancer are caused by contracted muscles and are readily
cured by a system of treatment which removes the cause
and gives Nature a chance to act.
To illustrate more fully, and demonstrate the folly of
converting the stomach into an apothecary's shop, let us
compare the systemic circulation to an irrigating system.
Through your fields run innumerable ditches; one is obstruct-
ed by a fallen tree, causing the water to back up, seeking
some other channel or a weak place in the bank to escape.
What is the result? Too much water in one end and too
little in the other. Will you go to the reservoir and throw
in a little quinine, a little calomel, and a little whisky, or
will you remove the cause? Thus it is that when confronted
with heart disease you should immediately ascertain if the
patient is troubled with cold extremities; such being the
OSTEOPATHY. 23
case, using the limbs as levers, stretch the muscles as shown
in cut 6, page 49, thus freeing the arteries from this undue
pressure, permitting the blood to pass down to and warm
the extremities, at the same time relieving the heart.
We will now pass to the nerves, which not only control
the action of the muscles and various organs, but also con-
trol the caliber of the arteries, thus regulating (when not
interfered with by slight dislocations of bone or contraction
of muscles) with the utmost precision the entire systemic,
pulmonary, and portal circulation. The central part of the
nervous system or cerebro-spinal axis consists of the spinal
cord (medulla spinalis), the bulb (medulla oblongata), and
the brain; the spinal cord being the great bond of connection
between the brain and the majority of the peripheral nerves.
As most of the nerves originate in the spinal cord, and as the
cord is in direct communication with and might be considered
part of the brain, it will be readily understood that a pressure
on any of these nerves, interrupting communication between
the brain and some distant part, will cause paralysis of the
part controlled by the nerve involved.
The digestive organs, liver, pancreas, kidneys, and even
the action of the heart, can be regulated by a slight pressure
of the hand on certain nerve-centers in the spine, which will
be discussed more fully in another chapter.
While we have touched but briefly on the anatomy and
physiology of the human body, and it would be most inter-
esting and instructive to read up in Gray and Landois, we
trust we have proven to our readers that man is a machine,
and laid the foundation for a thorough understanding of our
method of treating diseases by manipulation and without
the use of drugs or surgical instruments.
24 OSTEOPATHY.
ASTHMA.
Symptoms.
Recurrent and temporary difficulty in breathing, ac-
companied by a wheezing sound and a sense of constriction
in the throat, with cough and expectoration. Authors
distinguish two varieties: dry convulsive or nervous,
and humid or common. In the first variety the attacks are
sudden and violent and of short duration, the sense of con-
striction is hard, dry, and spasmodic, the cough slight, and
expectoration scanty and only appearing toward the end of
the paroxysm. In the second variety the paroxysm is grad-
ual and protracted, the constriction heavy, laborious, and
humid, the cough violent, and expectoration commences
early, and is at first scanty and viscid, but afterward copious,
affording great relief. In many cases the attack is in the
night, and most frequently an hour or two after midnight.
Cause of Asthma.
Asthma, pronounced incurable by the medical fraternity,
can be relieved and in most cases cured by an application
of the principles laid down in the following pages.
As we have mentioned before, the thorax is a bony cage,
formed by the ribs, dorsal vertebra, and sternum, containing
and protecting the principal organs of circulation and respi-
ration. The ribs are not only very elastic, but, being con-
nected with the sternum by costo-cartilage and with the
dorsal vertebrae by ligaments, have limited motion. Thus it
will be seen that they are easily affected by accident or
contraction of the muscles. In most cases of asthma a
slight depression will be noticed over the second, third,
and fourth ribs on the left side, about two inches to
the left of the median line, while the cartilaginous
portion of the corresponding ribs on the right
Cutl.
OSTEOPATHY.
27
side will be found elevated; occasionally this will
be reversed, but in either case it is proof positive that
the framework which is supposed to protect the vital
machinery of life is out of gear. Now, having correctly
diagnosed this case, having proven that the lungs or bronchial
tubes are not at fault, shall we act on the principle that the
human system is a machine, and proceed to remove the cause?
Let us suppose you were caught in a cyclone and a heavy
timber pins you to the earth. Will you then beg for medicine,
or ask some friend to remove the weight that bears you
down? If you are suffering from asthma, dear reader, each
faint cough, each gasping breath is a prayer from the im-
prisoned organs within for some one to raise the ribs and
expand the chest.
The great Creator, in His infinite wisdom, has arranged
for just such an emergency as this by preparing a system of
levers, one of which we will now use in raising the ribs,
stretching the intercostal muscles, and expanding the chest.
The pectoralis major, a large muscle which covers the
entire front of the chest, attaching to the sternal half of the
clavicle (collar-bone), the six or seven upper ribs, and the
cartilages of all the true ribs, is inserted by a flat tendon
into the external bicipital ridge of the humerus about two
or three inches below the shoulder-joint. If you will raise
your arm high above the head, you will feel all the upper
ribs move, thus proving that our theory is correct.
Asthma Treatment. Lsu
Place the patient on the back, with a pillow under the
head. Two assistants at the head of the table; one places
his right, the other his left hand under the patient's shoulders
on the angle of the second rib, half way between the
scapula (shoulder-blade) and spine and one inch above the
scapula. With the disengaged hands take the patient's
2 g OSTEOPATHY.
wrists, and, slowly drawing the arms upward high above
the head (see cut 1, page 25), pull steadily and strongly for
a moment; at the same time with the fingers press steadily
on the angle of the ribs. Lower the arms slowly, the elbows
passing below and to the sides of the table. Move the fingers
down the spine one inch, to the angle of the next rib, and
draw up the arms as before, and repeat until you have raised
the four or five upper ribs. It will be also observed that
this operation stretches the intercostal muscles.
The patient will now be seated upon a stool. The opera-
tor places his knee between the shoulders, grasps the
patient's wrists and raises the arms slowly but strongly high
above the head, pressing hard with the knee and lowering
the arms with a backward motion (see cut 2, page 29).
Instant relief is often felt after the first treatment, and
a continuation of the treatment seldom fails to effect a cure.
Coughs, colds on the lungs, short, difficult breathing, and
pleurisy never fail to respond quickly to our asthma treat-
ment. Of the numerous cases treated by us in this manner
90 per cent have been cured and all benefited.
If every family who reads these pages would make a
i cheap pine table two feet high, two feet wide, and six feet
long, and make a practice of treating each other as directed,
j they would soon overcome the awkwardness at the first ex-
j perience, and be able to relieve themselves and friends of
innumerable ailments.
Cut 2.
OSTEOPATHY. 31
CONSUMPTION.
Symptoms.
The special symptoms are a short and tickling cough;
the pain in the chest is slight, and there is either a sense of
tenderness or weight experienced at the upper part of the
lungs; the breathing is habitually short, and a full inspira-
tion is impracticable, the attempt increasing the sense of;
weight and soreness or aggravating the cough; the expecto-
rations are generally scanty and small in quantity in the
early stages, and in many cases are very trifling throughout ;
the matter expectorated is watery and whey-like, sometimes
tinged with blood, and as the disease progresses thick, tena-
cious, curdy, or cheesey particles are excreted. As the
functional powers of the lungs become impaired the pulse
becomes frequent and feeble, the breathing grows shorter;
irregular chills come on, succeeded by some degree of feverish
heat, and in the last stages night-sweats, diarrhea, swelling
of the limbs, etc., denote the rapidly approaching fatal termi-
nation. The local condition of the part diseased is one of
engorgement, and its secretions are changed from a healthy
to a morbid condition.
It is a well-known fact that cold will contract not only
iron and steel, but the muscles of the human body. To prove
our theory is correct, allow a cold draught of air to strike the
neck for a short time, and possibly the next morning you
have a stiff neck. Why is it that the head does not turn
freely on its axis? Because the muscles that were exposed
have contracted and are a little too short. Acting on these
principles, we trace consumption to the contracted muscles
of the chest, which are forcing the elastic ribs down upon
the pleura and lungs. The old idea is that as the lungs decay
the ribs settle. How absurd to imagine that the soft, spongy
lungs support the chest! As well say that a house full of
sponges would hold up the roof.
-, 2 OSTEOPATHY.
We have established the fact, beyond the shadow of a
doubt, that it is the steady pressure of the contracting mus-
cles that causes this dread disease, and experience has taught
us that until tuberculosis sets in it can be cured.
Consumption Treatment.
Give our asthma treatment, working down as low as
the eighth rib, as shown in cut 1, also giving the treatment
as shown in cut 2, using great care to exert as much strength
as the patient can stand without much inconvenience. In
treating consumption, besides our regular asthma and con-
sumption treatment, we usually give a general treatment
of the spine, to tone up the system and equalize the cir-
culation.
General Treatment of Spine.
Place the patient on the right side, facing the operator,
his left arm flexed, the elbow resting on the right arm of the
operator, pressing against the humerus, thus making a lever
of the patient's arm to stretch the muscles of the shoulder
and scapula (shoulder-blade). The patient must allow his
muscles to relax as much as possible. The operator will now
place his hands in the position shown in cut 3, page 33. With
the finger-ends close to the spine, pressing quite hard, using
the arm as a lever, with a circular motion move the muscles
under the hand toward the head.
Do not let the hands slip on the spine, as that would be
simply rubbing. Our object is to loosen and stretch the
muscles, thus freeing the vital forces of life from any obstruc-
tion and equalizing the circulation. After each upward
motion, move the hands down one inch, keeping close to the
spine and working deep the entire length of the spinal col-
umn. The left side will now be treated in a like manner. It
should not take over fifteen minutes to give the entire treat-
ment, and the effect on the patient is simply wonderful.
Cut 3.
OSTEOPATHY.
35
All manipulation must be slow, careful, and strong.
The patient can usually be relied upon to caution the operator
if too much strength is being used. A thorough treatment
every other day is often enough, as Nature must be given a
chance to do her part. Light cases of lung trouble can be
cured in two weeks by this treatment, and the most stubborn
in from six to ten.
BRONCHITIS.
Symptoms.
This disease is attended with more or less suffocation
and spasmodic respiration. The disease commences with
more or less cough, irritation about the throat, sense of tight-
ness in the chest, and shortness of breath, which do not for
a considerable time attract attention. The first difficulty
generally noticed as of importance is a sense of roughness,
with frequent attempts to clear the throat, accompanied
with or followed by titillation of the larynx, exciting a dry,
hard cough. These are, after a longer or shorter period,
succeeded by some hoarseness of voice, with a sense of tight-
ness across the chest, and sometimes a slight pain or diffused
soreness upon coughing or inflating the lungs fully by a
prolonged and deep inspiration. All the causes of consump-
tion under modified circumstances produce this form of pul-
monary disease.
Treatment.
Bronchitis being a modified form of consumption, our
asthma and consumption treatment (page 27) is especially
applicable, giving immediate relief, and in from two to six
weeks effecting a permanent cure. Treatment is to be given
every other day.
36 OSTEOPATHY.
. DIPHTHERIA.
Symptoms.
Diphtheria is divisible into two forms, simple and ma-
lignant. In the simple variety, happily the most common,
the symptoms are at first so mild as to excite little complaint
beyond a slight difficulty of swallowing or pain in the throat,
burning skin, pains in the limbs, etc.
Malignant diphtheria is ushered in with severe fever,
rigors, vomiting or purging, sudden great prostration and
restlessness,anxious countenanee,etc.,pomting to some over-
whelming disease under which the system is laboring. The
skin is hot, the face flushed, the throat sore, and the mucous
membrane of the throat bright red; the tonsils are swollen,
and gray or white patches of deposit appear on them, small
at first, but gradually enlarging, so that one patch merges
into another, forming a false membrane in the throat, render-
ing swallowing and even breathing difficult; in some cases
the false membrane has been detached and after extreme
effort ejected, presenting nearly an exact mold of the throat.
The exudation of diphtheria may be distinguished from a
slough by its easily crumbling, by the facility with which it
can often be detached, and by the surface thus exposed being
red, but not ulcerated. The glands of the neck are always
enlarged; sometimes pain is felt in the ear, and there is gen-
erally stiffness of the neck.
As the disease progresses, the patient passes into a
stupor, and the difficulty of swallowing or breathing increases
till the false membrane is ejected, or the patient dies from
suffocation, or he sinks from exhaustion similar to that
observed in typhoid fever.
Dangerous symptoms are a quick, feeble, or very slow
pulse, persistent vomiting, drowsiness, delirium, suppressed
urine, and bleeding from the nose. Diphtheria is caused by
Cut 4.
OSTEOPATHY. 39
a contraction of the muscles of the neck and thorax, as well
as by a contraction of the muscles of respiration, which, inter-
fering with the circulation of the fluids of the body, cause
the inflamed condition of the larynx, bronchial tubes, and
throat. Diphtheria, even in its most malignant form, suc-
cumbs to the following treatment.
Diphtheria Treatment.
1st. Place the patient on the back, with one hand under
the chin, the other under the back of the head; pull gently,
rotating the head from side to side ('out 4).
2d. Pull slowly and strongly until the body moves,
without rotating the head.
3d. With the fingers, beginning under the chin, move
all the muscles of the neck from side to side.
4th. Place the finger in patient's mouth and move the
muscles of the throat gently; this loosens the membrane,
which usually will be immediately expelled.
5th. With one hand draw the arm high above the head;
at the same instant, with the fingers of the other between
the spine and scapula at its upper border, press firmly on the.
angle of the rib. lower the arm with a backward motion,
move the fingers one inch down the spine, draw up the arm,
and repeat until the lower border of the scapula is reached.
Treat the other side in a similar manner.
Gth. Place the arms around patient's body, the fingers
meeting at the spine immediately below the last ribs, and,
while pressing with the fingers on each side of the spine,
raise the patient's body slowly and gently until only the hips
and shoulders rest on the bed; this should be repeated two or
three times, moving the hands two or three inches each time
toward the head; it will instantly stop all purging and
vomiting.
7th. Place one hand on each side of the neck, the fingers
40 OSTEOPATHY.
almost meeting below the occipital bone (see cut 5); press
gently for two or three minutes. It is here you reach nerves-
that control the caliber of the arteries, thus slowing the
action of the heart.
Diphtheria in its most malignant form has never, in our
experience, failed to yield readily to this treatment, instant
relief being experienced and a complete cure effected in a
very few days. Treatment should be given every six hours,
and the vaso-motor center (cut 5) may be held at any time,
as it always gives relief.
MEMBRANEOUS CROUP.
Symptoms.
Fretfuluess, feverishness, cold in the head, and slight
hoarseness, increasing towards evening and in the early
night. Sometimes, however, without a single warning symp-
tom, the child startles us in the night with a hoarse, ringing
cough, which cannot be so described as to be recognized, but
which no one who has ever heard it can fail to know again.
There is a sense of suffocation, a hurried, hoarse, and hissing
breathing,as if the air were drawn into the lungs and expelled
through too small an opening in some instrument, which
is the fact, for such an instrument is the accumulated phlegm
in the larynx. When there is much fever and inflammation,
the tendency to the formation of false membrane is very
slight; whereas, in cases that seem mild at the beginning the
disease often passes to the membraneous stage unsuspected.
Treatment.
Our diphtheria treatment (page 39) will give instant
relief, and a permanent cure in a few days if the treatment
is continued. A treatment should be given upon retiring
each night until all symptoms have entirely disappeared.
Cut 5.
OSTEOPATHY. 43
NURSING SORE MOUTH.
wms.
This is an affection from which nursing women occasion-
ally suffer. It consists of inflammation of the lining of the
mouth, which is covered with very small ulcers; these cause
a stinging and burning sensation, and cheese-like matter
exudes from them; a profuse flow of saliva is also frequently
present.
Treatment.
1st. Place one hand under the chin, the other under the
back of the head (cut 4) ; pull gently, rotating the head, en-
deavoring to move and stretch all the muscles of the neck,
thus freeing the circulation, which is at fault.
2d. With the fingers, beginning close under the chin,
move all the muscles very deep, but gently, the entire length
of the front of the neck. This simple treatment in a few
days will cure any case of nursing sore mouth. Treatment
should be given each day.
PUTRID SORE THROAT.
Symptoms.
This disease generally affects the glands of the throat,
while the common quinsy affects the mucous membrane. In
putrid sore throat there are also canker sores and ulcers in
the throat, together with great debility of the system. In
inflammatory sore throat there is always great difficulty of
swallowing, whereas in the other these symptoms are not
present.
Treatment.
This disease being caused by a contraction of the mus-
cles of the neck, obstructing the blood in the returning veins,
which, becoming: putrid, works its way to the surface, forming
44 OSTEOPATHY.
sores and inflammation in the mucous membrane lining the
throat, can be easily and quickly cured by our nursing sore
mouth treatment (page 43). Treatment should be given
each day.
CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS.
Symptoms.
Acute or excruciating pains in the head, throbbing of
the temporal and carotid arteries, flushed face, eyes injected
and brilliantly reddish, contracted pupils, and a wild ex-
pression of countenance characterize the disease when fully
formed. These symptoms are preceded by various cerebral
and febrile disturbances — sometimes violent delirium, at
other times nausea and vomiting or general convulsions.
The bowels are usually extremely costive; there is also great
intolerance of light and sound and incessant watchfulness;
the skin is dry and hot, the pulse hard and quick, the tongue
dry and covered with a white fur, and there is intense thirst.
Cause of Cerebrospinal Meningitis.
Cerebro-spinal meningitis, which carries thousands to
an untimely grave each year, yields readily to this method of
treatment. So simple is the treatment, and so plainly will
we place it before the public, that a child can treat it under-
standingly and successfully, thus robbing that dread malady
of at least half its terrors. It was the loss of four of his
children by this disease that turned the thoughts of Andrew
T. Still, that deep thinker and wonderful reasoner, toward
the fundamental principles of this science, which is certain
to revolutionize the medical world. After years of study,
the good doctor discovered that the muscles which attach to
and bind together (in connection with the ligaments) the
spinal vertebrae were contracted, thus throwing an undue
OSTEOPATHY.
45
pressure on the intervertebral substance and interfering
not only with the nerve-supply, but with the circulation of
the cord itself; and, for the first time looking on man as a
machine, he applied the only rational remedy.
Treatment.
1st. Place the patient on his back, and, while gently
rotating the head from side to side, stretch the muscles of
the neck in all directions (cut 4), using increased strength
as the patient becomes accustomed to the motion.
2d. With one hand under the patient's chin, the other
under the back of his head, pull gently and gradually
stronger until you move the body. It is well to treat the
entire length of the spine as shown in cut 3, after which
hold the vaso-motor center (cut 5). (The vaso-motor is a
nervous center which controls the caliber of the arteries,
and can be reached by a pressure on the four upper cervical
vertebrae; from this point we control even the action of the
heart.) Place one hand under each side of the neck (stand-
ing at the patient's side) until the fingers nearly meet, cover-
ing a space from the head down the neck the breadth of four
fingers; press gently, and in a few minutes your patient will
be resting easy. Treatment should be given every six hours,
and the vaso-motor center may be held at any time to give
relief. This, in hundreds of cases, has never been known
to fail, even when death seemed very near ; and, when taken
in time, we would as soon treat a case of cerebro-sijinal
meningitis as a hard cold.
4 6 OSTEOPATHY.
PALSY (PARALYSIS).
Symptoms.
Palsy is a disease principally affecting the nervous
system, characterized by a loss or diminution of motion or
feeling or of both in one or more parts of the body. When
one entire side of the body from the head downward is
affected, it is distinguished among professional men by the
name of hemiplegia; if the lower half of the body be attacked
by the disease, it is named paraplegia; and when confined to
a particular limb or set of muscles, it is called paralysis.
Palsy usually comes on with a sudden and immediate loss of
motion and sensibility of the parts. It is sometimes pre-
ceded by a numbness, coldness, and paleness, and some-
times by slight conyulsiye twitches. When the head is
much affected, the eye and mouth are drawn on one side, the
memory and judgment are much impaired, and the speech
indistinct ; if the extremities are affected, it not only produces
a loss of motion and sensibility, but a wasting of the muscles
of the affected parts. The attack is usually preceded by
some of these symptoms, but occasionally the disease ad-
yances more slowly; a finger, hand, or arm, or the muscles
of the tongue, of the mouth, or of the eyelids, being first
affected.
Cause of Paralysis.
Paralysis in its various forms, while stubborn, can in-
variably be cured by our method if taken in time, and even
in its last stages great good may be done the patient.
Osteopathy is the only rational method of treating this
disease. It is caused by a pressure on some of the various
nerve-centers, or paralysis of any part may be caused by
pressure on the nerves which control that part. The brain,
cerebrospinal cord, and nerves may justly be compared
OSTEOPATHY. 47
to an immense telegraph system, the nerves carrying mes-
sages to and from the brain.
That the average reader may have a more correct under-
standing of the nervous system, of the power which causes
the heart to beat, the blood to flow, the lungs to inhale, the
alimentary canal to perform its allotted task, and the
muscles to act, let us dwell for a moment on the brain, the
spinal cord, and the vertebral or spinal column, as it is on
this line of thought that we must reach paralysis.
The nervous system is composed —
First: Of a series of large centers of nerve-matter,
called collectively the cerebro-spinal center or axis.
Second: Of smaller centers, called ganglia.
Third: Nerves connected either with the cerebro-spinal
axis or ganglia; and
Fourth: Of certain modifications of the peripheral
terminations of the nerves, forming the organs of external
sense.
The cerebro-spinal center consists of two parts, the
spinal cord and encephalon or brain; the latter may be sub-
divided into the cerebrum and cerebellum, the pons varolii
and the medulla oblongata.
The spine is a flexible and flexous column, composed of
thirty-three separate and distinct bones in the child, and
twenty-six in the adult, articulating with each other and the
ribs, enclosing and protecting the spinal cord, supporting the
head and trunk, and ipermitting the escape through its
numerous foramina of the nerves which control the body.
Is not this indeed a grand and wonderful piece of mechan-
ism? So strong, so delicate, so perfect!
It is to this part of the human machinery that we trace
half the ills that flesh is heir to. It is here that we find
centers on which a simple pressure of the hand will instantly
4 3 OSTEOPATHY.
cure cholera morbus, flux, cramp in the stomach, vomiting,
etc., and it is here we must search for the cause and cure of
paralysis.
How to Make the Examination.
Place the patient on his face and carefully examine the
spine; in perfect health the vertebrae are all in line. If you
find one of the spinous processes a little out of line, you
have discovered the cause. It may be the result of an
accident, it may be turned slightly out of its normal position
by a contracted muscle; be that as it may, we have here a
pressure on the spinal cord, causing partial or complete
paralysis.
Paralysis Treatment.
1st. Free the muscles thoroughly (as shown in cut 3)
on each side of the spine the entire length, particularly at
the seat of trouble.
2d. Let one assistant now take the patient's shoulders,
another his feet, and pull steadily, slowly, and strongly,
while the third presses the spinous process back in its place.
It may take several treatments, but you will gain a little
every time and finally succeed. There is . absolutely no
danger connected with this treatment if ordinary care is
used.
3d. Place the patient on his back, and, with one hand
under the chin and the other under the back of the head, pull
steadily until the body moves. This must not be omitted, as
it starts up circulation in the spinal cord, and even reaches
the brain.
4th. Eaise the arms and ribs as in cut 1, page 25.
5th. Treat the limbs for circulation and to stretch the
great sciatic, the largest nerve in the body, measuring three-
quarters of an inch in breadth, and which is the continuation
Cut 6.
OSTEOPATHY.
51
of the lower part of the sacral plexus; it passes out of the
pelvis through the great sacro-sciatic foramen below the
pyriforinis muscle and descends between the great trochan-
ter and the tuberosity of the ischium, along the back of the
thigh, to about its middle third, where it divides into two
large branches, the internal and external popliteal nerves.
To stretch the sciatic nerve, place the patient on his back,
stand at the side of the table, and grasp with the right hand
the right ankle, your left hand resting lightly on the patient's
knee; now flex the leg slowly against the abdomen as far as
possible, using as much strength as the patient can stand
(see cut 6). While in this position move the knee three or
four times from right to left, without relaxing the pressure;
now slowly extend the leg, throwing the knee to the right,
the foot to the left, as shown in cut 7. This should be re-
peated two or three times, and be reversed occasionally,
throwing the knee to the left and the foot to the right. Treat
the left limb in a similar manner. A treatment should not
occupy over fifteen minutes, and should be given every day.
This treatment will benefit and usually cure paralysis in
any of its varied forms. If no dislocation is found, give the
same treatment, as you may have overlooked it, and simply
stretching the body will allow a very slight dislocation to
slip back and free the.cerebro-spinal cord.
Of the numerous cases of paralysis successfully treated
by us, we might mention a little girl at Benjamin, northeast-
ern Missouri. She had been a bright, active child until two
weeks before she was brought to us for treatment, when it
was noticed that she was losing the use of her lower limbs.
We explained to the mother the cause of the trouble, a slip
in the lumbar vertebrae throwing a pressure on the spinal
cord, thus partially cutting off communication between the
limbs and the brain. Her old family doctor insisted that the
child had worms, and treated her for the same for four
52 OSTEOPATHY.
weeks, when the little sufferer had entirely lost the use of
her lower extremities; he turned her oyer to us with the
remark* that he did not understand the case. After four
treatments as laid down in this work, the child could walk,
and in three weeks was romping with her playmates.
We will refer also to the case of a young lady of Galena,
Kansas, suffering from creeping paralysis, or locomotor
ataxy.' This dread malady is caused by a diseased condition
of the posterior column of the spinal cord, and our treatment,
stretching and rotating the spine thoroughly, frees the cord
and starts the circulation. The young lady in question was
not only perfectly helpless, but her digestive organs and
kidneys failed to act. In connection with our usual paraly-
sis treatment, we gave the kidney and constipation treatment
(see page 69). In a short time the lady* could walk with
assistance, and in two months was on the high road to
perfect health.
ATROPHY (SHRINKING OF MUSCLES).
Atrophy of any part might well be mentioned at this
time, it being a form of paralysis. It will be remembered
that we mentioned the fact of the nerves controlling the
caliber of the arteries, thus regulating the blood-supply. In
atrophy we are confronted with a condition in which the
nerves controlling the arteries which feed the withered
parts are interfered with. The wires are down and the cry
of hunger from the starving muscles never reaches the
brain.
But even assuming that the brain is apprised of the
fact that certain muscles are starving, that they need more
blood, its message to the arteries to expand never reaches its
destination. If it is the muscles of the leg that are starving,
why not hex the leg upon the abdomen (see cut 6, page 50),
<r'
v
y
\
n
/
i
Cut 7.
OSTEOPATHY. 55
rotating it inward and outward, thereby stretching the mus-
cles and freeing and stretching the nerves at fault? We
have absolutely never known this method to fail to restore
shrinking limbs to their normal size. We have cured case
after case by this simple, reliable and infallible method,
and there is no reason why any of our readers should not be
equally successful.
A good general rule in all cases of atrophy of the mus-
cles is to use the affected member as a lever with which to
stretch the muscles connecting it to the body in all possible
directions, as it is here the obstruction is usually found, and
by acting on these principles you will unwittingly stretch
the right muscle, thus freeing the nerve and permitting the
blood to pass down and nourish the affected parts. It is
simply wonderful how quick Nature will respond. If a
measurement of the shrunken member is taken, you will
know exactly how fast you are progressing; and I venture
the assertion that in one month, giving a treatment every
other day, you will have gained from one to two inches.
One old gentleman treated by us in Baxter Springs,
Kansas, whose leg had been shrunken for years, grew an
inch and a half in one month's treatment, measured
around the ankle. Another, a young man of the same city,
had his arm restored to usefulness in the same remarkable
yet simple manner. We would not be understood as saying
the limb will gain much in length in the adult; the great
improvement will be noticed in size and strength.
DYSENTERY, OR BLOODY FLUX.
Symptoms.
Dysentery usually commences with severe pains in the
bowels, with frequent inclination to go to stool; the stools
are small in quantity and sometimes mixed with blood.
56
OSTEOPATHY.
There is generally a peculiar sensation of bearing down while
at stool, as if the whole bowels were falling out, accompanied
with considerable pain. Sometimes chills and fever precede
the symptoms; in other cases they either accompany them
or soon follow, if the attack is at all severe. Griping pains
in the abdomen, followed by discharges from the bowels,
are the first prominent symptoms.
CHOLERA MORBUS.
Symptoms.
Cholera morbus is a violent purging and vomiting, at-
tended with gripes and a constant desire to go to stool. It
comes on suddenly, and is most common in autumn. There
is hardly any disease that kills more quickly than this when
proper means are not used in due time for removing it. It
is generally preceded by heartburn, sour belchings, and
flatulence, with pain in the stomach and intestines; to these
succeed excessive vomiting and purging of green, yellow,
or blackish colored bile, with distention of the stomach and
violent griping pains. There is likewise great thirst, with
a very quick unequal pulse, and often a fixed acute pain
about the region of the navel. As the disease advances, the
pulse often sinks so low as to become quite imperceptible;
the extremities grow cold or cramped and are often covered
with a clammy sweat, the urine is obstructed, and there is
palpitation of the heart. Violent hiccoughing, fainting,
and convulsions are the signs of approaching death.
Cause of Flux and Cholera Morbus.
Flux and cholera morbus can be cured instantly. Of
the hundreds of cases treated by us, we have yet to find the
first that did not respond instantly, and we stand ready to
OSTEOPATHY. 57
wager our reputation that there never was and never will be
a case of either of these diseases that cannot be cured by
this method of treatment if properly applied. This may
justly be considered the grandest discovery of this or any
other age. And we beg the medical fraternity throughout
our land, who usually look with ey£s of skepticism on any-
thing out of the ordinary, to try this one great principle,which
is destined to save thousands of lives each year. We trust
that each and every one who may chance to read these pages
will remember our treatment for flux. Not because it is more
reliable than any other great principle laid down in this
work, but it is so simple and of such vast importance in
times of need, so infallible, and gives such immediate relief.
That the reader may gain a correct understanding of
this great principle, we will return to the anatomy, to the
machinery of human life. Once more comparing the cerebro-
spinal cord, the brain, and the nerves to a telegraphic system,
we will trace the cause of flux and the excited condition of
the digestive organs directly to the brain. It will be wise,
in this connection, as some of our readers may not be very
familiar with anatomy and physiology, to sketch briefly the
process of digestion.
Food, when taken into the mouth, undergoes two proc-
esses, which are inseparable and simultaneous in action,
being mastication and insalivation. In the short time occu-
pied by the passage of the food through the oesophagus no
special change takes place. In the stomach the food is
mixed with the juices of that organ, and is converted into
chyme. The chyme begins to leave the stomach through
the pyloric orfice soon after gastric digestion has begun,
some passing into the duodenum in about half an hour. The
materials which resist gastric secretion or are affected very
slowly by it are retained many hours in the stomach, and
the pylorus may refuse exit to such materials for an indefi-
58
OSTEOPATHY.
nite length of time, so that, after causing much uneasiness,
they are finally removed by* vomiting. Many solid masses
escape through the pylorus, however, when it opens to let
out the chyme.
The small intestine is a convoluted tube, varying in
length from twenty to thirty feet, which gradually dimin-
ishes in size from its commencement to its termination. The
power which forces the food and chyme through this long
convoluted tube is called the peristaltic action, and is con-
trolled by the "main battery," the brain. A wave of con-
traction passes from the pylorus along the circular fibers
so as to look like a broad ring of constriction, progressing
slowly downward. The longitudinal fibers at the same time
contract so as to shorten the piece of intestine immediately
below the ring of constriction, and also causes a certain
amount of rolling movement of those loops of intestine which
are free enough to move. In flux and cholera morbus this
peristaltic action becomes increased to an alarming extent.
Food has been taken into the stomach, to remove which a
great amount of nerve power is required; and when it is
finally expelled, and the current still on, we have a machine
running away with itself. We are as yet unable to deter-
mine the precise cause of Nature failing to apply her brakes
and check the current at the proper moment, but we have
succeeded in locating the point on which a slight pressure of
the hand will instantly slow up the machine.
The great splanchnic and right pneumogastric nerves
form the solar plexus, or great abdominal brain, and control
the peristaltic action of the bowels. Now it is obvious that
a pressure on these nerves long enough to break the current
will check the peristaltic action of the intestines. The
pneumogastric has a more extensive distribution than any
of the other cranial nerves. Passing through the neck and
thorax to the upper part of the abdomen, it is composed of
Cut 24.
OSTEOPATHY. 6 1
both motor and sensory fibers. It supplies the organs of
voice and respiration with motor and sensory fibers, and
the pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, and heart with motor
fibers. It emerges from the cranium through the jugular
foramen, passes vertically down the neck within the sheath
of the carotid vessels, lying between the internal carotid
artery and the external jugular vein as far as the thyroid
cartilage. Thus it will be seen that it can be reached by
a strong, steady pressure on the right side of the windpipe,
as it is commonly called, in the lower part of the neck. The
right splanchnic nerve will respond to a pressure close to the
spine between the sixth and seventh ribs.
While this treatment will cure flux and cholera morbus,
and was arrived at by studying man as a machine from a
scientific standpoint, a much simpler method, producing the
same results, will be given as our infallible mode of treat-
ing these diseases.
Flux and Cholera Morbus Treatment.
1st. Place the patient on a stool, the operator standing
behind. The operator now places his knee on the left side
of the spine, just below the last rib, grasping the patient's
shoulders, and draws him gently but firmly backward as far
as possible (cut 24). Let all motions be slow, allowing the
patient time to relax the muscles. Ninety per cent of all
cases will be cured instantly by this one move. In aggra-
vated cases, where the patient is bedfast, while lying on
the back place one hand under each side, the fingers pressing
on each side of the spine just below the last ribs, and two or
three times slowly raise the patient until only the shoulders
and pelvis touch the bed.
2d. Press lightly with the palm of the hand on the
umbilicus (and stronger as the patient becomes accustomed
to the pressure) for a minute.
62 OSTEOPATHY.
3d. Hold the vasomotor center for two or three min-
utes, and your patient is out of danger (see cut 5). It' is
very seldom that anything farther than one backward move-
ment is necessary.
Taken suddenly with cholera morbus between St. Louis
and Kansas City, the writer cured himself instantly by bend-
ing far backward over the back of the car seat. Any of our
readers can do likewise.
While on this subject, we will mention the case of a lady
at Miami, I. T. We received an urgent call from her husband
one Tuesday morning, but, being overwhelmed with office
work, it seemed impossible for us to take the time to drive
twenty miles into the Indian Nation; so it was arranged that
if the drugs of the local doctors failed, and she was still alive,
we should drive down Friday night. We reached her bedside
at midnight (Friday night), and found her just alive. We
treated her once, and in a week she was walking on the streets
of Miami in perfect health.
CRAMP IX THE BOWELS.
Cramp in the bowels is caused by the too rapid action
of the intestines, one fold being thrown over another; this
can usually be instantly cured by bending the patient far
backward as in flux. In rare cases it will be found neces-
sary to place the patient on the back and gently but firmly
knead the bowels, working deep, thus freeing the parts and
giving immediate relief.
OSTEOPATHY. 6 5
CRAMP IN THE STOMACH AND VOMITING.
Treatment.
1st. Bend the patient backward as in flux.
2d. Press steadily on the pit of the stomach with the
palm of the hand for a moment.
3d. Place the knee between the shoulders, raising the
arms high above the head (see cut 2).
4th. Permit the patient to lie on the back, and, reaching
over as in cut 8, with each of the fingers close to the spine,
between and a little below the scapulas (shoulder-blades),
press strongly a moment, after which hold the vasomotor
center (see cut 5, page 41).
This treatment will cure the most aggravated cases,
usually in a few moments. It will be observed that we are
working here on the splanchnic nery^es, which are in direct
communication with the~ stomach.
CHRONIC DIARRHEA.
Simple diarrhea, remaining uncured for some time,
becomes chronic.
Treatment.
Our flux and cholera morbus treatment will give im-
mediate relief, and, if continued for from three to six weeks,
a complete and permanent cure. It is rarely necessary to
ask the assistance of a friend in treating this disorder. Place
the thumbs close to the spine, one on each side and im-
mediately below the last rib, and while pressing hard lean as
far backward as possible; move the thumbs down one inch
and lean backward; repeat this until the lumbar vertebrre
are reached. Treatment should be given once each day; it
66 OSTEOPATHY.
will take but a moment, and has never been known to fail.
Many cases have been cured by us in a few treatments,
dating as far back as the late war.
CONSTIPATION AND TORPID LIVER.
Symptoms.
While we admit that constipation is not desirable, and
may almost invariably be avoided, yet persons thus predis-
posed are generally long-lived, unless they commit suicide
by purgative medicines, while those who are subject to
frequent attacks of diarrhea are soon debilitated. A daily
action of the bowels is no doubt desirable in most cases, but
by no means invariably so. An evacuation may take place
daily, or every second day, or even every third day, in per-
sons who are equally healthy. There is no invariable rule
applying to all persons. Purgation produced by drugs is
an unnatural condition, and although temporary relief often
follows the use of aperients, they tend to disorganize the
parts on which their force is chiefly expended. The intes-
tinal canal is not a smooth, hard tube, through which can be
forced whatever it contains without injury; it is part of a
living organism, and needs no force to propel its contents on
their way ; nor can such force be applied with impunity. Not
only does the frequent use of purgatives overstimulate the
liver and pancreas, but also and especially the numerous
secretory glands which cover the extensive surface of the
intestinal canal, forcing them to pour out their contents in
such excessive quantities as to weaken and impair their
functions, and so produce a state of general debility. The
normal action of the stomach and intestinal canal being thus
suspended, nausea, vomiting, griping, and even fainting, are
produced; the brain and vital energies are disturbed, occa-
OSTEOPATHY. 67
sioning lowness of spirits and melancholy, alternating with
mental excitement and peculiar irritability of temper.
Cause.
We will now endeavor to prove to the satisfaction of
our readers that, viewing man as a machine, constipation
can be traced to its true cause, and cured by an application
of the never-failing principles of Osteopathy. The digestive
organs in constipation may be compared to an electric car
with the current partially cut off; with a light load it might
possibly work in a feeble, halting manner, while the slender
wire transmits the power to move the heavy car. The
dynamo generates that power; break the connection, and the
car stops. So is the human being; the brain is the great
generator, the center of all power. Stop for one instant
the current on these slender nerves, and the heavy muscles
of the giant are weaker ,than those of a tiny child. There
is one peculiarity about the nerves which is liable to lead
one astray, and that is the fact that a pressure on the main
trunk of a nerve causes no pain at that point, but at the ex-
tremity of the nerve.
In constipation we find the intercostal and spinal mus-
cles contracted from the fifth dorsal vertebra and fifth rib
to the eighth. The sixth or seventh rib will be turned
slightly, and either the muscles or rib pressing on the
splanchnic nerves (which, with the pneumogastric, control
the abdomen), thus depriving the intestines of half their
motor power. Taking physic for constipation is like whip-
ping a weak, half-starved horse. He will go just as long as
you continue to apply the whip, but is left in a more enfeebled
condition after each application of the lash. Would it not
be more human and sensible to increase his feed and reduce
his load, as we now propose doing with the splanchnic
nerve?
68 OSTEOPATHY.
By relaxing the contracted muscles we not only allow
the ribs to spring back, thus releasing the nerve, but also
permit the blood to pass down and supply the! nerve with
food, and in a comparatively short time it will be able to
once more convey the current that will start the peristaltic
action of the bowels, and also furnish a motor power to the
sluggish liver and pancreas, enabling those organs to resume
their work. As an obstruction to the nerve force of the
splanchnic system not only weakens the peristaltic action
of the bowels, but also the action of the liver, that great
chemical laboratory; placed on the highway by which the
great majority of material absorbed from the intestines
reaches the blood, it is obviously in a position to act as the
guardian of the blood's purity and health. It certainly in
some respects performs this duty, for many poisons, when
introduced into the digestive tract, are stopped by the liver,
and, if their amount be not excessive, are elimated with the
bile. But we have no reason to believe that this enormous
mass of protoplasm is placed in this peculiar position in the
circulation to preside over much more important duties than
that of a mere gatekeeper. Many if not all of the absorbed
materials are found toi be altered during their visit to the
liver. In fact, we must regard this organ as the great
chemical laboratory of the blood, where many important
analyses are made. It has an immense double blood-supply;
it receives all the blood of the portal veins coining from the
digestive tract and spleen. This supply of blood varies
much in amount; after meals, it equals one-fourth of all the
blood in the body. Among the many important functions
of the liver are the formation of the urea and uric acid and
the secretion of the bile. Its failure to supply in sufficient
quantities the latter (which is mixed in the abdomen with
the pancreatic juice, to assist in digesting the food) is one of
OSTEOPATHY.
69
the secondary causes of constipation; another is the inability
of the pancreas, through lack of nerve-force, to do its part in
furnishing pancreatic juice. Thus, when we turn the cur-
rent on the splanchnic, we start a three-horse team, which,
pulling together in perfect harmony, will safely carry our
constipated friend to the highway of perfect health.
Treatment.
1st. Place the patient on the side and proceed to free
all the muscles of the spine on each side as low as the
twelfth dorsal vertebra. Let the arm of the patient rest on
that of the operator, the patient's elbow pressing against the
humerus, forming a lever with which the muscles of the
scapula (shoulder-blade) can be manipulated. With the
fingers between the spine and scapula, pressing hard, move
the scapula and muscles under the fingers upward (see cut 3),
being particular not to let the hand slip over the muscles,
but to move them. After each upward motion, move the
fingers down an inch, until the last dorsal vertebra is
reached, taking care not to work lower than the last rib.
2d. With the patient lying on the back, grasp the
right wrist with the right hand, drawing the arm slowly but
with some strength high above the head, at the same time
placing the left hand between the shoulder-blades on the
right side of the spine, about two inches below the upper
part of the shoulder-blades, pressing hard as the arm comes
up; lower the arm, the elbow passing below and at the
side of the table. Eepeat, moving the hand down the spine
one inch every time, until you have reached the tenth dorsal
vertebra, which will be found one inch below the inferior
angle of the scapula.
70 OSTEOPATHY.
3d. Knead the bowels (cut 9), beginning on the right
side and at the lower portion of the abdomen, close to the
bone, and immediately over the ileo-csecal valve. Work
lightly at first, gradually using more strength, following the
ascending colon upward from its commencement at the
csecum to the under surface of the liver on the right side of
the gall-bladder, where it bends abruptly to the left, forming
the hepatic flexure; it now becomes the transverse colon,
and passes transversely across the abdomen from right to
left, where it curves downward beneath the lower end of the
spleen, forming the splenic flexure. The descending colon
passes almost vertically downward to the upper part of the
left iliac fossa, where it terminates in the sigmoid flexure.
The sigmoid flexure is the narrowest part of the colon. It
is situated in the left iliac fossa, commencing at the termina-
tion of the descending colon at the margin of the crest of
the ilium, and ending in the rectum opposite the left sacro-
iliac symphysis. Work) across the abdomen, following the
transverse colon and down the descending and sigmoid por-
tions to the rectum. Next knead the small intestine, which
is contained in the central lower part of the abdominal
cavity, surrounded above and at the sides by the colon or
large intestine.
This treatment should be given every other day, and can
be administered in fifteen minutes. It will cure the most
stubborn cases of constipation or torpid liver. Care should
be taken to work as deep and as far under the ribs as pos-
sible. Children and young people are often cured in a
single treatment, but the average time required for a cure
is from two to six weeks. In very stubborn cases it is w r ell
to flush the bowels once or twice, until Nature begins to act.
This treatment, if applied as directed, will be found infallible.
Cut 9.
OSTEOPATHY. 73
DYSPEPSIA (INDIGESTION).
Symptoms.
These vary greatly, both in character and intensity, but
there is commonly one or more of the following: impaired
appetite, flatulence, and nausea; eructations, which often
bring up bitter or acid fluids; furred tongue, often flabby,
large, or indented at the sides ; foul taste or breath and heart-
burn; pain and a sensation of weight and inconvenience or
fullness after a meal; irregular action of the bowels; head-
ache, diminished mental energy and alertness, and dejection
of spirits; palpitation of the heart or great vessels, and
various affections in other organs.
Cause.
Dyspepsia, or indigestion, is usually caused by a con-
stipated condition of the bowels, which, becoming over-
loaded, hinder the action of the stomach until the glands of
that organ become diseased. Thus we are again confronted
with the parallel of an electric car, which, having lost its
current, obstructs the main track. We expect to prove to
the intelligent reader that when the peristaltic action of the
small intestine loses part of its nerve-power, occasioned by
a pressure on the splanchnic center at or near the spine, the
foundation is laid not only for constipation, liver complaint,
and various stomach and kidney troubles, but by blocking
the main track, one organ after another becomes diseased,
and finally the stomach, bloated or filled with gas, presses
so hard upon the diaphragm, compressing the left luug, that
it affects even the lungs and heart. Many cases of heart
trouble we have traced directly to this cause, and cured by
working on these never-failing principles.
y 4 OSTEOPATHY.
Treatment.
1st. Treat the patient as in constipation, except knead-
ing the bowels, which should be omitted when constipation
is not present.
2d. Stand behind the patient, and, raising the right
arm high above the head, lifting strong, press hard with the
left thumb on the fourth dorsal vertebra, lowering the arm
with a backward motion. This pressure reaches nerves that
control the pyloric valve, causing the pyloric orifice to open
and permit gases and undigested food to pass into the
duodenum.
Four weeks' treatment should cure any case of this
complaint.
BRIGHT'S DISEASE.
Symptoms.
Dropsy of the upper as well as lower parts of the body,
the hands and feet as well as face being swollen; a dry, harsh
skin; quick, hard pulse; thirst, and often sickness from sym-
pathy of the stomach with the kidneys. There is frequent
desire to pass water, which is scanty, highly colored or
smoky-looking, albuminous, and of high specific gravity.
KIDNEY DISEASE, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE
KIDNEYS.
Symptoms.
Disease of the kidneys may be distinguished from colic
and other similar affections by the pain being far back, and
by the urine being of a deep red color, voided frequently and
in small quantities. It may be distinguished from rheuma-
tism by the pain not being increased by motion. This disease
OSTEOPATHY. 75
is attended with a sharp pain on the affected side, with much
difficulty in passing urine; the bowels are costive; the skin
is hot; the patient feels great uneasiness when he attempts
to walk or sit upright, and lies with most ease on the affected
side. Kemission of the pain, discharge of high-colored
mucous urine, sweating, or a flow of blood from the hem-
orrhoidal veins, passed in the stools, are favorable symptoms.
The Kidneys.
The kidneys, two in number, are situated in the back
part of the abdomen, and are for the purpose of separating
from the blood certain materials which, when dissolved in a
quantity of water, also separated from the blood by the kid-
neys, constitutes the urine. They are placed in the loins,
one on each side of the vertebral column; their upper ex-
tremity is on a level with the upper border of the twelfth
dorsal vertebra, and their lower extremity on a level with
the third lumbar vertebra. The right kidney is usually on
a lower level than the left, probably on account of the
vicinity of the liver. Each kidney is about four inches in
length and two to two and one-half in breadth; they are a
little over an inch in thickness. The kidney is plentifully
supplied with blood by the renal artery, a large offset of the
abdominal aorta. The nerves, although small, are about
fifteen in number. They communicate with the spermatic
plexus, a circumstance which may explain the occurrence
of pain in the testicle in affections of the kidneys. It will
be remembered that urea and uric acid are formed in the
liver and transmitted from that organ to the kidneys. Thus
It will be seen that with a diseased liver we cannot have
healthy kidneys. While we have as yet been unable to cure
Bright's disease, diabetes, and troubles of the bladder and
kidneys caused by stricture, all other urinary troubles can
7 6
OSTEOPATHY.
be immediately cured, and those just mentioned generally
benefited, by the following treatment.
Treatment for Kidney Troubles.
1st. Place the patient on the side, and, if the kidneys
are inactive, begin at the sixth dorsal vertebra, with the ends
of the fingers close to the spine, moving the muscles upward
and outward, working deep the entire length of the spine
on each side. This treatment excites the nerves to renewed
action and increases the action of the blood, thus nourishing
the weakened parts and giving them more strength to act.
2d. The kidneys should be kneaded gently at first, and
gradually with a stronger force. It is indeed surprising how
rapidly a patient will recover under this treatment.
3d. When the kidneys are too active, a steady pressure
should be given from the twelfth dorsal vertebra to the last
lumbar vertebra, close to the spine, in any manner most con-
venient to the operator.
4th. Place the patient on the face, and, while pressing
hard on the sacrum immediately below the small of the back,
raise the limbs from the table as high as the patient can bear
without too much inconvenience, moving them gently from
side to side (see cut 10). Mothers whose children have no
control over the urine can cure them entirely of this annoy-
ing trouble, in one or two treatments, by pressing on the
sacrum close to the last lumbar vertebra and raising the
limbs as shown in cut 10.
This treatment is as reliable as mathematics. Among
the many cases cured by us of this trouble we will mention
our first experience in this line. A young man of Kirksville,
Mo., hearing that we were investigating this subject, called
at our office, and, after explaining that he had no control
over his urine and had been expending all his earnings in
vain hope of relief, asked us to take his case. Not having
Cut 10.
OSTEOPATHY.
79
a table at that time, we caused him to lie on his stomach on
the floor, and, placing the right foot between his thighs and
the left on the sacrum, with an ankle in either hand, we raised
the limbs, sprung down the sacrum, and asked him to call
again on the second day. While administering the third treat-
ment we inquired as to results, and were not only gratified,
but surprised, to learn that he had had no trouble since the
first treatment. Two years later the young man was still in
perfect health. We might mention also a gentleman 82 years
of age, of Lewiston, Mo., troubled with this disease for over
thirty years. He was entirely cured in four weeks by this
method of treatment.
ENLARGED SPLEEN.
Symptoms.
This disease is characterized by a sharp or chill pain
beneath the lower left ribs; with more or less tenderness
on external pressure; in some instances there is very little
pain, simply a feeling of weight or fullness, which is worse
when the patient lies on the affected side. The attack is
generally accompanied by chills and fever, and sometimes
there is nausea and vomiting, cough, difficulty of breathing,
and hiccough. The spleen often becomes enlarged so as to
be felt beneath the lower left ribs.
The Spleen.
The spleen is situated under cover of the ribs of the
left side, being separated from them by the diaphragm (the
great muscle of respiration), and above by a small portion
of the left lung. Its position corresponds to the ninth,
tenth, and eleventh ribs. We find that enlargement of the
spleen and other splenic troubles are caused by a contraction
80 OSTEOPATHY.
of the muscles of these ribs and a consequent settling of one
or all of the ribs mentioned upon the spleen. Sharp pains
in this region are from the same cause, and can be instantly
relieved, and in a few weeks cured, by our treatment for
enlargement of the spleen.
Treatment.
1st. Place the patient on the right side, and loosen
all the muscles over and around the eighth, ninth, tenth,
eleventh, and twelfth ribs from the spinal column to the
median line in front, always moving the muscles upward
and not permitting the flesh to slip under the hand.
2d. Place the patient on a stool, the thumb of the right
hand on the angle of the rib at fault, and roll the arm slowly
but very strongly high above the head ; lower the arm with a
backward motion; at the same instant, with the thumb of the
right hand, spring the rib forward off the spleen (see cut 11).
This treatment usually gives immediate relief, and in
from two to four weeks will effect a cure.
HEAET DISEASE.
Symptoms.
The patient is seized with a sudden dreadful pain, which
centers in the heart and extends over more or less of the
anterior portion of the chest, up the shoulder, and down
the arm. There is an agonizing sense of anxiety, faintness,
and fear of instant death, palpitation, and difficulty of
breathing, so that, if walking, he is compelled to stop and
to fix on the first object that offers support, and so remains,
pale and covered with a clammy perspiration. The parox-
ysms may terminate in a few minutes or last for hours, and
Cut 11.
OSTEOPATHY. 83
are liable to recur with increased severity till at length one
proves fatal.
The Heart.
The heart is a hollow, muscular organ, of a conical form,
placed between the lungs and enclosed in the cavity of the
pericardium. The heart is placed obliquely in the chest, the
broad attached end or base upward, backward, and to the
right, and corresponds to the interval between the fifth and
eighth dorsal vertebrae; the apex is directed downward, for-
ward, and to the left, and corresponds to the space between
the cartilages of the fifth and sixth ribs, three-quarters of
an inch to the inner side and an inch and a half below the
left nipple. The heart is placed behind the lower two-thirds
of the sternum, and projects farther into the left than into
the right cavity of the chest, extending from the median line
about three inches in the former direction and only one and
one-half inches in the latter. The heart in the adult
measures five inches in length, three inches and a half in
the broadest part, and two inches and a half in thickness.
'Xhe average weight in the male varies from ten to tw r elve
ounces, and in the female from eight to ten.; The heart con-
tinues to increase in weight, also in length, breadth, and
thickness, up to an advanced period of life. The heart of
man and warm-blooded animals may be said to be made up
of two muscular sacs, the pulmonary and systemic pumps,
or, as they are commonly called, the right and left sides of
the heart. Between these no communication exists after
birth. Each of these sacs may be divided into two chambers.
One, acting as an ante-chamber, receives the blood from the
veins; it has very thin walls, and is called the auricle; the
other, the ventricle, is the powerful muscular chamber which
pumps the blood into and distends the arteries. It has been
found that stimulation of the cervical portion of the spinal
34
OSTEOPATHY.
cord causes quickening of the heart-beat, while a steady pres-
sure on the same nerve-centers slows the action of the heart.
It is thus that in fever, working from this center, we slow
the heart's action, and are thereby enabled to reduce any
fever in an incredibly short time.
We will now for a moment touch upon the arteries and
veins, my object being to prove to my readers that the heart,
arteries, and veins are simply different parts of the same
machine, and that the contraction of a muscle, throwing a
pressure on an artery or vein, will affect the heart, on the
same principle that a force-pump attached to a rubber hose
would be affected should you stand on the hose. ( The chan-
nels which carry the blood through the body form a closed
system of elastic tubes, which may be divided into three
varieties: arteries, capillaries, and veins. The arteries are
those vessels that carry the blood from the heart to the
capillaries. The great trunk of the aorta springs from the
left ventricle and gives off a series of branches, which in
turn subdivide more and more freely in proportion to their
distance from the heart. The aorta is divided into the arch,
ascending and descending portions. The descending aorta
is divided into two portions, the thoracic and abdominal,
in correspondence with the two great cavities of the trunk
in which it is situated. The thoracic aorta commences at
the lower border of the fourth dorsal vertebra on the left
side, and terminates at the aortic opening in the diaphragm,
in front of the last dorsal vertebra. The abdominal aorta
commences at the aortic opening in the diaphragm, in front
of the body of the last dorsal vertebra, and, descending a
little to the left of the vertebral column, terminates opposite
the body of the fourth lumbar vertebra, where it divides into
the right and left common iliac arteries. The common
iliac arteries are abouti two inches in length, and divide
opposite the intervertebral substance of the last lumbar
OSTEOPATHY.
85
vertebra and sacrum, into the internal and external iliac
arteries, the latter supplying the lower extremities. The
external iliac artery passes obliquely downward and outward
along the inner border of the psoas muscle from the bifurca-
tion of the common iliac arteries to Poupart's ligament, where
it enters the thigh and becomes the femoral artery. The
femoral artery commences immediately behind Poupart's
ligament, midway between the anterior and superior spine
of the ilium and the symphysis pubis, and, passing down
the front and inner part of the thigh, terminates at the
opening of the adductor magnus muscle at the junction of
the middle with the lower third of the thigh, where it becomes
the popliteal artery. The popliteal artery commences at the
termination of the femoral at the opening in the adductor
magnus, and, passing obliquely downward and outward
behind the knee-joint to the lower border of the popliteus
muscle, divides into the anterior and posterior tibial arteries.
The anterior tibial artery passes forward between the two
heads of the tibialus posticus to the deep part of the front
of the leg; then descends on the anterior surface of the inter-
osseous membrane, gradually approaching the tibia, and at
the lower part of the leg lies on the bone, and then on the
anterior ligament of the ankle to the bend of the ankle-
joint, where it lies more superficially and becomes the dor-
salis pedis. This artery passes forward from the bend of
the ankle along the tibial side of the foot, and terminates
in two small branches, the dorsalis hallucis and communica-
ting. The posterior tibial artery is of large size, and passes
obliquely downward from the lower border of the popliteus
muscle along the tibial side of the leg to the fossa between
the ankle and the heel, where it divides into the internal and
external plantar arteries.
Now, having traced this river of blood, which throws
86 OSTEOPATHY.
branches to each organ and muscle in its course from the
heart to its termination in the lower extremities, passing as
it does through, oyer, under, and between the numerous
muscles on its journey, it will not be hard for the intelligent
reader to believe that an obstruction to its free flow, caused
by contracted muscles, would affect the heart. Cramping of
the muscles is so very common, often leaving the muscles
in ridges, that the most skeptical will not dispute the fact
that muscles will contract and remain in that condition.
The heavy muscles of the thigh and those below and about
the knee, from their peculiar relation to the artery and their
great strength, are usually at fault, and by a simple twist
of the leg, throwing these muscles on a strain, and thereby
freeing the femoral artery, we have cured cases of heart
disease that had baffled the best physicians of modern times.
Treatment.
First ascertain if the patient has cold extremities; such
being the case, the trouble is necessarily along the line of the
artery, and the heart trouble corresponds to the illustration
of pump and rubber hose when the hose is obstructed.
1st. Place the patient on the back, and, grasping the
ankle in the right hand, flex the leg against the chest, slowly
but strongly; while pressing it hard against the chest, rotate
if from right to left as in cut G. Bring it to its full
length, turning the knee in and foot out with a light jerk
(cut 7). This should be repeated with each limb two or three
times at each treatment.
2d. Flex the knees, place the feet together, and, with
one hand on each knee, spread the knees as far apart as
possible, thus stretching the adductor muscles (see cut 12).
3d. Placing one hand on each side of the thigh, close
to the body, move all the flesh, very deep, from right to left,
the entire length of the limb (cut 13).
Cut 12.
Cut 13.
OSTEOPATHY.
91
4th. Grasp the foot, and, while rotating the limb, pull
slowly but strongly.
We guarantee that any case of cold limbs accompanied
by heart trouble, or in which the organic difficulty is not yet
perceptible, can be cured in from two to four weeks by
this treatment, which should not take over ten minutes
each time, and should be given every other day.
"ENLAEGEMENT OF THE HEART," ETC.
Heart disease is often caused by constipation and a
diseased condition of the alimentary canal. Those cases can
be readily distinguished, as the patient will find great
difficulty in breathing when in a recumbent position, and
upon resuming an upright position will feel immediate relief,
thus proving that the organs are distended to such an extent
that there is at all times a pressure on the diaphragm left
lung, and heart, and that their own weight when in an upright
position will partially free the last named organs. It will
be readily understood that out constipation or indigestion
treatment, or both, as the case may seem to require, will cure
this form of heart disease, as it has done in hundreds of cases.
Other cases, and they are very numerous, are caused by
a contraction of the muscles, depressing the ribs immedi-
ately over the heart, thus interfering with its action. We
are led to believe that there are very few cases of actual
"enlargement of the heart," but that the so-called "enlarge-
ment of the heart" is really a compression of the cavity in
which the heart is contained.
Treatment for "Enlargement of the Heart."
1st. Free all the muscles attached to the ribs immedi-
ately over the heart, from the spine to the median line, on
9 2 OSTEOPATHY,
each side, always moving the flesh upward, using the arm
as a lever in treating the muscles of the spine (cut 3).
2d. Place the patient on the back, one operator grasp-
ing each wrist; placing the disengaged hand between the
patient's shoulders, the fingers pressing hard upon the angle
of the rib between the spine and scapula, draw the arms
slowly, but with some strength, high above the head; move
the hands down one inch, and repeat until you have reached
the lower angle of the scapula.
This will usually give instant relief, and never fails to
effect a cure in from two to four weeks' treatment. A treat-
ment should be given every other day.
Of the many cases cured by us in this manner, it might
be well to mention an old gentleman of Galena, Kansas. As
a drowning man will grasp at a straw, when he was dying
and nearly all hope had fled, we were called in, and, in the
presence of two medical doctors and the members of his
family, we raised his ribs, thus permitting the heart to act.
In a few minutes we had our patient out of danger. We will
also add that he never after had any difficulty with his heart.
, FEEBLE ACTION OF THE HEAET.
This trouble is caused by an almost imperceptible con-
traction of all the muscles, thus interfering with the entire
circulation. An aching, tired sensation, so often felt, is
caused by the contracting muscles, as is readily proven
beyond the shadow of a doubt by the fact that after a general
treatment, stretching and moving all the muscles, permit-
ting the sluggish blood to move more rapidly through the
arteries and veins, the heart's action is increased and the
tired, aching, worn sensation has entirely disappeared.
OSTEOPATHY. 93
General Treatment.
1st. Place the patient on the side, using the arm as a
lever (cut 3), with the fingers pressing rather hard close to
the spine; beginning at the first dorsal vertebra, free all the
muscles the entire length of the spinal column." Have the
patient turn over, and treat the other side in a similar manner.
2d. Flex the limbs against the chest, the patient lying
on the back; rotate the leg from right to left two or three
times, extending with a light jerk (cuts 6 and 7).
3d. Grasp the thighs firmly with one hand on each side,
the fingers meeting; beginning close to the body, move the
flesh, to the bone if possible, from right to left, the entire
length of the limb (cut 13).
4th. Place the patient on a stool, the operator standing
at his back, and, placing the knee between patient's shoul-
ders, grasp the wrists and raise the arms strongly high above
the head (see cut 2); at this time the patient will inhale,
filling the lungs with air; lower the arms with a backward
motion.
5th. Place one hand under the chin, the other under
back of the head, and pull gently, rotating the head from
side to side (cut 4).
6th. Placing one hand on each side of the neck, the
fingers almost meeting at the back of the neck, close to the
head and the breadth of four fingers down the neck, press
gently on the vasomotor center (see cut 5) for a few
"moments, to quiet the nerves.
This treatment will require not over fifteen minutes,
and should be given every other day. We guarantee it to
give immediate relief, and, if continued for from two to four
weeks, a permanent cure will be effected.
Of the numerous cases cured by our general treatment,
we will mention that of an old gentleman brought to us in
94 OSTEOPATHY.
Galena, Kansas. He could not climb the steps to our office.
We treated him on the counter in a grocery store near by.
His pulse, which was hardly perceptible, was down to 38.
When he came for his second treatment, two days later, his
pulse was strong and had increased to 58. He could hear
better, and recognized people on the street for the first time
in months
DROPSY.
Symptoms.
Dropsy is watery accumulation in the areolar tissue
more or less generally throughout the body. It is of two
distinct varieties, for, besides its occurrence in the meshes
of the loose tissue beneath the skin, it may take place as a
local dropsy in any of the natural cavities or sacs of the body,
and is named according to the parts involved.
Partial dropsy is always due to excessive venous reple-
tion, and this overdistention of the small veins is the result
of some mechanical impediment to the venous circulation.
Dropsy due to obstructed portal circulation may be recog-
nized by the following clinical characters : It begins in the
abdomen; difficult breathing follows, but does not precede
the ascites. There is a tendency to vomiting, diarrhea, and
piles; further, the spleen becomes enlarged and there are
varicose veins on the right side of the abdomen.
Dropsy at first partial, but afterwards becoming general,
commences in the feet and extends upward, and this is also
due to excessive venous repletion from obstructed venous
circulation.
Dropsical swellings are soft, inelastic, diffused, and
leave, for some time, the indentation made by the pressure
of a finger. In chronic cases and when the swelling is very
OSTEOPATHY. 95
great the skin becomes smooth, glassy, and of a dull red or
purple color, and where the skin is less elastic it becomes
livid or blackish and troublesome, even gangrenous, or
sloughs may form.
In treating dropsy, of whatever organ, it is necessary
to use such remedies as will act on the kidneys and skin and
excite them to increased activity; the result of this activity
is to diminish the fluids which have collected in one or
another part of the body and remain there unabsorbed, and
cause them to be taken up by the kidneys or thrown off by
the skin, and thus carried out of the system through the
natural outlets. Any remedy that accomplishes this object
effectively cures dropsy occuring in any part of the body.
Cause of Dropsy.
That the reader may gain a more correct understanding
of our method of treating dropsy, viewing the human body as
a machine, we will once more refer to the anatomy. Having
followed this river of blood from the heart to its termination,
we must now trace it back to the heart and endeavor to
locate along its channel the cause of dropsy and consequent
heart trouble. The frequently branching arteries finally
terminate in the capillaries, in which distinct branches can
no longer be recognized, but their channels are interwoven
into a network, the meshes of which are made up of vessels
all having the same caliber. They communicate with the
capillary network of the neighboring arteries, so that any
given capillary area appears to be one continuous net of
tub ales connected here and there with a similar network
from distant arterioles, and thus any given capillary area
may be fed with blood from several different sources.
Veins.
The veins arise from the capillary network, commencing
as radicles, which correspond to the ultimate distribution
9 6
OSTEOPATHY.
of the arterioles, but they soon form wider and more
numerous channels. They rapidly congregate together,
making comparatively large vessels, which frequently inter-
communicate and form coarse and irregular flexures. Thus
it will be seen that we have two rivers, one distributing, the
other gathering up and returning the blood to* the heart.
While a pressure on an artery, cutting off the supply to
the extremities, causes them to be cold, at the same time
affecting the heart, a pressure on a vein, stopping the return
current, will necessitate an engorgement of the blood in the
capillaries; the heart, working against heavy odds in trying
to force the blood past the contracted muscles, will certainly
be affected, while the stagnant blood, unable to escape, will
cause either inflammatory rheumatism, dropsy, or erysipelas.
Treatment.
1st. Place the patient on the side and move all the
muscles of the spine very deep from the tenth dorsal to the
last sacral vertebra. This will excite the nerves which con-
trol the kidneys to renewed action, thereby enabling them
to separate the immense amount of water about to be poured
into them from the blood.
2d. Give general treatment (page «>), being very care-
ful to stretch all the muscles near the affected parts.
In a very short time, usually from two to six days, the
kidneys will begin to act very freely, throwing off the
decomposed and watery particles of blood, while in from two
to six weeks the patient will be entirely well.
Of numerous cases cured by us of dropsy we will men-
tion that of a lady of Joplin, Missouri, whose case had not
only been treated by the best physicians of her own citj,
but those of Kansas City and St. Louis. She came to us in
a hopeless condition; her abdomen, limbs, and feet were
OSTEOPATHY. ' 97
swollen to more than twice their normal size. After the
second general treatment, she began to improve rapidly, and
; n ten days her ankle could be spanned by the thumb and
angers; in one month the dropsy had entirely disappeared.
She gained strength rapidly, and in a short time had
entirely regained her health.
Another remarkable case was that of an old gentleman
of Baxter Springs, Kansas, who had been for five years
gradually losing the use of his lower limbs, and during the
last year dropsy had made its appearance. After the second
general treatment, the dropsy had almost entirely disap-
peared; his limbs regained their long-lost strength, and he
would leap about the office like a boy in an ecstasy of delight,
kicking higher than the doctor's head and springing from the
floor to our operating-table with apparent ease.
GENERAL DEBILITY.
While we cannot roll back the vail of years, we propose
to prove to our friends in advanced life that we can at least
make them feel quite young again. In old age the muscles,
arteries, and, in fact, all the organs, are prone to ossify. The
muscles become contracted and stiff, thus interfering with
the free flow of blood, and limy deposits form around the
joints. It is but reasonable and natural that our general
treatment (page/ife) which stretches and frees all themuscles,
ligaments, and joints, causing the blood to run faster and
the heart' to beat stronger, would be especially applicable.
It has been tested and proven times without number, and
we feel that we can safely assert without fear of contra-
diction that our general treatment with the aged and infirm
never has and never will fail to give gratifying results.
9 8
OSTEOPATHY.
We will mention in this connection the case of a gentle-
man eighty-one years of age, of Miami, Indian Territory, in
whom the machinery of life had nearly run down. His sons,
hearing of some of our rather remarkable cures, brought the
old man in, much against his will, for treatment. He was car-
ried into our office and laid upon the table. After an ex-
amination, we pronounced the case hopeless, as we did not
think there was enough vitality left to respond to the treat-
ment and once more resume control of the machinery of life.
However, we administered a general treatment, and were
as much surprised as his sons to see the old gentleman get up
and walk down stairs unassisted. In three weeks he was
restored to health and threw away the cane he had carried
for thirty years. Being a man of undoubted veracity and
well known throughout the Indian Territory and southern
Kansas, ■ his seemingly miraculous restoration to health
through this method gave us quite an enviable reputation
through that section of the country. Sometimes, when weary
and annoyed by many questions put to him regarding our
method, he would tell the people that he was no walking
advertisement.
That the young as well as the old can be benefited by this
general treatment has been proved in numerous instances,
after ail other known methods have failed. One case we will
mention is that of a child eighteen months old. Her cold,
emaciated limbs, and the eruptions on her face and neck
and in the ears, told too plainly to be misunderstood the
story of contracted muscles and of stagnant blood. Although
the little sufferer was so low that her case seemed almost
hopeless, she was cured in four treatments, given every sec-
ond day, and is now a healthy child.
OSTEOPATHY. 99
FEVER AND AGUE.
Symptoms.
This disease may be divided into three stages: the cold
stage, the hot stage, the sweating stage.
Cold Stage. — An intermitting fever generally begins
with pain in the head and loins, weariness of the limbs,
coldness of the extremities, stretching, yawning, with some-
times great sickness and vomiting, to which succeed shiver-
ing and violent shaking; respiration is short, frequent, and
anxious.
Hot Stage. — After a longer or shorter continuance of
shivering, the heat of the body gradually returns — irreg-
ularly at first, and by transient flushes, soon succeeded by
a steady dry and burning heat, considerably augmenting
above the natural standard; the skin, which before was x>ale
and constricted, becomes swollen, tense, and red; pain is
felt in the head and various parts of the body; the pulse is
quick, strong, and hard; the tongue white, the thirst great,
and the urine high-colored.
Sweating Stage. — A moisture is observed, the heat falls,
the pulse diminishes and becomes full and free, and all the
functions are restored to their natural order.
CONGESTIVE CHILLS.
Symptoms.
These are only an aggravated form of chills and fever,
and are sometimes called "sinking chills."
We guarantee our general treatment to cure chills and
fever and congestive chills in from two to six days, and to
give immediate relief in all cases, even after all other known
methods have failed. The almost imperceptible contraction
IOO OSTEOPATHY.
of muscles not only checks the warm blood, thus producing
the chill, but also causes the bones to ache. The patient
will unconsciously stretch, thus gaining momentary relief.
When the muscles finally relax, freeing the pent-up blood,
it rushes to the head and through the arteries too rapidly;
thus the accompanying fever is produced.
Treatment.
Give general treatment (page 4^), if possible, just before
the chill; hold the vaso-motor center (cut 5), which causes
the arteries to contract, thus slowing the heart's action, only
when fever is perceptible. In ordinary cases there will be
but one light chill after the first treatment.
BRAIN FEVER.
Symptoms.
The symptoms which usually precede brain fever are
pain in the head, redness of the eyes, a violent flushing of
the face, disturbed sleep or a total want of it, great dryness
of the skin, costiveness, retention of the urine, a small drop-
ping of blood from the nose, singing in the ears, and extreme
sensibility of the nervous system. The pulse is often weak,
irregular, and trembling, but sometimes is hard and con-
tracted; a remarkable quickness of hearing is a common
symptom of this disease, as is also a great throbbing of the
arteries in the neck and temples; a constant trembling, sup-
pression of the urine, a total want of sleep, and a grinding of
the teeth, which may be considered as a kind of convulsion.
The Brain.
Referring again to the anatomy, we find that the brain,
the great dynamo which generates the forces that control
the system, is contained in the cavity of the cranium, and,
OSTEOPATHY. IO i
to perform the varied tasks imposed upon it, must be bounti-
fully supplied with arterial blood, which must circulate freely
and return quickly to the heart through an unobstructed
channel. The blood leaves the arch of the aorta through
the innominate artery, and ascends obliquely to the upper
border of the right sterno-clavicular articulation, where it
divides into the right common carotid and right subclavian
arteries, the latter supplying the right arm, while the com-
mon carotid passes obliquely upward from behind the sterno-
clavicular articulation to a level with the upper border of
the thyroid cartilage, opposite the third cervical vertebra,
where it divides into the external and internal carotid, whose
branches, together with the vertebral artery, supply the
brain. As these arteries and the corresponding veins must
pass through a network of muscles to reach their destination,
the great mystery is that we are ever free from headache
caused by an obstruction to their free flow.
Causes of Brain Fever.
Brain fever, usually fatal when treated by the old
methods, can be traced directly to a contraction of the mus-
cles of the neck, obstructing the returning blood. With
the heart still pumping the blood into the brain and the
escape cut off, do you wonder at brain fever, or can you
doubt for an instant that to remove the obstruction, allow-
ing the pent-up venous blood to escape down its proper
channel, would cure the disease?
We have yet to find a case of brain fever that, if taken
in any reasonable time, can not be instantly relieved, and
in a comparatively short time cured, by our brain fever
treatment. We trust that not only every person who reads
these pages, but the medical fraternity in particular, will
try this method, as, if it is generally adopted, it will save
hundreds of lives annuallv.
I0 2 OSTEOPATHY.
Treatment.
1st. Place one hand under the chin, the other under
the back of the head, and pull gently, rotating the head as
far as possible from side to side, the object being to stretch
all the muscles of the neck (see cut 4).
2d. Pull gently on the head (being very careful not to
rotate it) until sufficient strength is used to move the body.
3d. With the fingers move all the flesh and muscles
of the neck and throat, working gently but deep.
4th. Raise the arm high above the head (see cut 14)
with one hand, with the fingers of the other pressing hard
between the spine and scapula (shoulder-blade), beginning
at the upper border of the scapula. Lower the arm with a
backward motion, and repeat, moving the fingers down one
inch each time until the lower angle of the scapula is reached.
Treat the other side in a similar manner.
5th. Hold the vaso-motor center, one hand on each
side of the neck, the fingers almost meeting close to the
head (cut 5), and in five minutes your patient will be asleep
and out of danger. In critical cases this treatment may be
repeated as often as circumstances seem to require. Once
in six hours is usually all that is necessary. The vaso-motor
center may be held at any time, and always gives relief.
Of the many cases treated by us, we will mention that of
a gentleman of Baxter Springs, Kansas, who was delirious
when we reached his bedside, and had been given up by the
family physician. After a treatment that lasted not over
ten minutes, his wife, bending over the couch, said to him:
"Ben, how do you feel?" He replied: "Better, you bet!"
turned over, and went to sleep for the first time in days. He
improved rapidly, and in two weeks had entirely recovered.
We are perfectly satisfied that brain fever, if treated
in time by these never-failing principles, is no more to be
dreaded than a bad cold.
Cut 14.
Cut 15.
OSTEOPATHY. 107
HEADACHE.
Acting on these great principles, headache, not caused
by fevers, the stomach, or the uterus, can be almost instantly
cured by stretching the neck and a pressure on the nerves
at the base of the occipital bone.
Treatment.
1st. Place the right hand on the back of the patient's
neck, the thumb on one side and the fingers on the other,
close to the head; place the left hand on the forehead, tipping
the head backward, gently, lifting quite strongly with the
right arm, while rotating the head gently from side to side
(see cut 15).
2d. Standing in front of the patient and tilting the
head backward, gently hold the vaso-motor center (cut 16).
3d. Place one hand on the forehead, the otheri upon
the back of the head, and press for a moment, hard.
4th. Standing behind the patient, with one* hand on
each side of the forehead, make five or six quick strokes.
5th. Place one finger on each temple, and, while press-
ing, gently move the fingers from right to left with a circular
motion.
6th. With the right hand raise patient's right arm high
above the head, with the thumb of the left hand between
the spine and the scapula, beginning at its upper angle,
moving the muscles upward with a strong pressure at the
same instant (see cut 14).
This treatment will not occupy over ten minutes. First,
second, and third will cure any ordinary headache, and the
entire treatment will cure any case of headache, no matter
how severe, if not caused by fevers, the stomach, or the
uterus, in from five to ten minutes.
Of the scores of cases cured by us, we will mention the
108 OSTEOPATHY.
case of a lady of Scainmon, Kansas, who would have an
attack of nervous headache once each week, lasting from
two to four days: she suffered intense pain, the muscles
contracting until they drew the head backward upon the
neck. At these times electricity, hypodermic injections, and
even chloroform, had failed to give relief. Being anxious
to put our method to the severest test, we undertook her
case, and were even more successful than we had dared to
hope. In ten minutes she was sleeping quietly, apparently
free from pain. In the morning a second light treatment
was given, which gave her complete relief, and the continua-
tion of the treatments for one month effected a permanent
cure.
NERVOUS HEADACHE.
Treatment.
In addition to our headache treatment, place the patient
on the face, and with the thumbs, beginning at the neck, press
gently the entire length of the dorsal vertebra?, after which,
if the patient has retired, hold the vaso-motor center a
moment (cut 5), and in a few minutes your patient will
be asleep.
SICK HEADACHE.
Sick headache being caused by a reflex action of the
pneurno gastric and splanchnic nerves, the stomach is at fault:
we must first reach that organ through the splanchnic nerves.
Treatment.
1st. Place the patient on the back. and. reaching over
as in cut 8. with the fingers pressing hard on each side of the
spine, beginning between the lower angle of the scapula and
ending as low as the last dorsal vertebra, lift the patient
Cut 16.
OSTEOPATHY. Ill
gently with your fingers, then, moving down the breadth
of the hands, repeat the application, thus desensitizing the
splanchnic nerves.
2d. Press gently at first, then gradually harder, over
the pit of the stomach.
3d. Give our regular headache treatment. It will take
from ten to fifteen minutes to give this treatment, at which
time the patient will be improving, although it may be
some time before the pain entirely abates.
A continuation of this treatment every second day will
cure the most aggravated cases of chronic sick headache.
Pain in the top of the head in women is always caused
by female troubles, and will be discussed at length under
that head.
THE DIAPHRAGM.
The diaphragm is the principal muscle of inspiration,
placed obliquely at the junction of the upper with the middle
third of the trunk, and separating the thorax from the abdo-
men, forming the floor of the former cavity and the roof of
the latter. When in a condition of rest, the muscle presents
a domed surface with the concave toward the abdomen; when
the fibers contract, they become less arched, or nearly
straight, and in consequence the level of the chest wall is
lowered, the vertical diameter of the chest being proportion-
ally increased, thus permitting the lungs to fill with air;
when, at the end of the inspiration, the diaphragm relaxes,
the thoracic walls return to their natural position in con-
sequence of their elastic reaction and of the elasticity and
weight of the displaced viscera. In all expulsive acts the
diaphragm is called into action ; thus before sneezing, cough-
ing, laughing, crying, or vomiting a deep inspiration takes
place. The phrenic nerve, which may be reached by a pres
112 OSTEOPATHY.
sure in front of the third, fourth, and fifth cervical vertebra),
controls the action of the diaphragm. Thus viewing that
great muscle of inspiration as a machine, whose action is
controlled by the brain through the phrenic nerve, we are
enabled to instantly cure hiccough.
HICCOUGH.
Hiccough is a too rapid and spasmodic action of the
diaphragm, arising from any cause that irritates its nervous
fibers.
Treatment.
1st. Stand behind the patient and with the fingers of
each hand push the muscles at the side of the neck forward
and press gently on the front of the tranverse processes of
the third, fourth, and fifth cervical vertebrae.
2d. Place the knee between the patient's shoulders and
raise the arms high above the head, lifting strongly (cut 2).
This will instantly cure any case of hiccough not caused
by approaching death.
FEVERS.
Fevers in any of their various forms can be greatly
benefited and usually cured by an application of some or
all of the following principles, as the case seems to require:
1st. Should the patient be constipated, flush the bowels
and give constipation treatment.
2d. Should there be diarrhea, the bowels should be
checked as in flux.
3d. Often a general treatment gives immediate relief.
4th. When there is a pain in the head, the headache
treatment should be always given.
OSTEOPATHY.
"3
5th. Always in fever hold the vasomotor center (cut 5)
a few moments, as this never fails to reduce the fever and
give immediate relief.
While a general treatment should not be given oftener
than once each day, the vasomotor center may be held a few
moments at any time. This part of the treatment should
never be omitted, even if a physician is called, as it will in
no way interfere with his medicine and gives more relief
than all his drugs.
HAY FEVER (SUMMER CATARRH).
Symptoms.
The symptoms are those of an ordinary catarrh, to
which those of asthma are superadded. There is itching of
the forehead, eyes, nose, and ears, much general irritability
and lassitude, sneezing, profuse discharge from the nose,
tightness of chest, difficult breathing and cough, pricking
sensations in the throat, general depression, etc.
Treatment.
1st. General treatment of the neck.
2d. Asthma treatment.
Treatment should be given every other day for a few
days, when the hay fever will entirely disappear.
ACUTE RHEUMATISM,
Symptoms.
Acute rheumatism is usually ushered in with fever and
inflammation about one or more of the larger joints, the
shoulder, elbow, knee, or ankle usually being first affected.
Exposed joints appear to be more prone to attacks than those
II4 OSTEOPATHY.
that are covered, the larger more frequently than the smaller,
and the small joints of the hand more frequently than those
of the feet. The affected joints are swollen, surrounded by
a rose-colored blush, and acutely painful; the pain has many
degrees of intensity, generally abates somewhat in the day,
but is aggravated at night, and in all cases is increased by
pressure, so that the touch of the nurse or weight of the
bedclothes can scarcelv be borne.
CHROXIC RHEUMATISM.
This sometimes follows the acute form, at other times
coming on quite independently of any previous attack. In
time the affected limbs lose their rjower of motion and
lameness results, the hip- and knee-joints being most often
affected. Sometimes there is emaciation of the muscles,
sometimes permanent contraction of a limb or bony stiffness
of the joints. This form of the disease is the result of the
uncured acute form; it may be limited to one part of the
body or extend to several, and may be fixed or shifting.
Cause of Rheumatism.
Rheumatism in its varied forms yields readily to this
method of treatment, and I think I am justified in saying
that there never was and never will be a case of rheumatism
that could not be benefited by this treatment, and perma-
nently and quickly cured if taken in any reasonable time.
Inflammatory rheumatism of the limbs is caused by a
contraction of the muscles of the thigh, obstructing either
the femoral, iliac, or long saphenous veins. As the waters
of a river, if obstructed between high, strong banks, may not
cause any particular trouble at that rjoint, but will back
up, flooding the lower country, so this river of blood, while
causing no great inconvenience at the obstruction, backs up>,
OSTEOPATHY. II5
distending the smaller veins and capillaries. The heart,
still pumping, finally feels the pressure, and we have rheu-
matism of the heart, while the stagnant blood soon becomes
feverish, and we have inflammatory rheumatism, first below
and finally above the obstruction. Laying aside all prejudice
and skepticism, and looking at the matter from an unbiased
and common-sense standpoint, would it not be as sensible
to throw medicine into the river to remove the cause of a
flood as to put it into the stomach to free the obstructed
vein?
If we may be permitted to once more refer to the anat-
omy, we will turn to the stomach and endeavor to follow a
dose of medicine on its journey from the stomach to its
destination at the femoral or saphenous vein, first asserting,
however, that the same quantity of the same medicine never
has the same effect twice on the same individual, from the
fact that the stomach is never found twice in exactly the
same condition, containing as it does different foods in
different stages of digestion. Thus your doctor must begin
by guessing what to give and how much to give, and con-
tinue guessing until you accidentally stretch the contracted
muscle and commence to recover,and then he guesses that his
nraseie did the work. There will be no guesswork, however,
in tracing the medicine from the stomach and asserting
what portion (if any) reaches the affected part. Passing
from the mouth through the oesophagus, it first reaches the
cardiac end of the stomach. While in the mouth the gastric
juice commences to flow, and is greatly increased by the time
the drug gets to the stomach. Being kept in motion in a
* large quantity of liquid, in from fifteen to thirty minutes
it reaches the pyloric orifice of the stomach and is emptied
into the duodenum, where it is mixed with the pancreatic
juice from the pancreas and the bile from the liver. As these
juices, together with the gastric juice of the stomach, are
n6 OSTEOPATHY.
capable of changing the entire character of almost any sub-
stance on which they are allowed to act, it is not only
possible, but probable, that they also change the character
of the drug to a greater or less extent, thus adding to the
system of guessing indulged in by the medical practitioner:
The duodenum and upper portion of the small intestine are
lined with a velvety substance, termed villi, which, immedi-
ately upon the entrance of any substance into the intestine,
passes all particles of richness through the walls of the
intestine into the thoracic duct, permitting all refuse matter
to pass on to the rectum. It is possible that here a goodly
portion of the drug is refused by the villi, and is passed with
the fasces; a portion, however, has reached the thoracic duct.
The thoracic duct conveys the great mass of lymph and
chyle into the blood. It varies in length from fifteen to
eighteen inches in the adult, and extends from the second
lumbar vertebra to the root of the neck; it commences in
the abdomen by a triangular dilatation, the receptaculum
chyli, which is situated upon the front of the body of the
second lumbar vertebra, to the right side and behind the
aorta, it ascends into the thorax through the aortic opening
in the diaphragm, opposite the fourth dorsal vertebra; it
inclines toward the left side and ascends behind the arch of
the aorta to the left side of the oesophagus, and behind the
first pjortion of the left subclavian artery to the upper orifice
of the thorax, opposite the seventh cervical vertebra; it now
curves outward and then downward over the subclavian
artery, and terminates in the left subclavian vein.
We will now follow what remains of our drug through,
the thoracic duct and into the subclavian vein in the neck,
opposite the seventh cervical vertebra. It next rjasses into
the innominate artery, which empties into the superior vena
cava, through which it reaches the heart, and is immediately
OSTEOPATHY. II7
pumped through the pulmonary artery into the lungs, from
which it is conveyed through the pulmonary veins back to
the heart, from where it is distributed equally to all parts
of the system. How much (if any) ever reaches the con-
tracted muscle it will indeed be difficult to determine.
In discussing this subject we are reminded of the story
of an Irishman with rheumatism; his physician wrote him
a prescription and instructed him to rub it on. The Irish-
man, in his ignorance, rubbed his leg with the paper, and he
was immediately relieved; thus demonstrating that there is
more virtue in the rubbing advised in the liniments than in
the liniments themselves.
Now, believing that our readers will understand our
reasons for taking the position that man is a machine and
should be treated accordingly, especially in rheumatic
troubles, we will return to the treatment of this disease when
located in the lower extremities.
INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATISM.
Treatment.
1st. Place the patient on the back, and, grasping the
ankle firmly with the right hand (should the right limb be
affected), place the left on the knee and flex the limb slowly
and gently as far as possible without too much suffering.
Rotating it gently from right to left, extend the leg, and it
will be found that it can be returned to its former position
with apparent ease; bend it now another inch and straighten.
2d. Place one hand on each side of the thigh, close to
the body, and with a firm pressure move all the muscles from
right to left and from left to right (see cut 13) the entire
length of the limb, very gently at first, but stronger as the
patient becomes used to the treatment.
Il8 OSTEOPATHY.
3d. Grasping the foot, pull slowly, at the same time
rotating the limb, using as much strength as the patient can
stand.
4th. Place the patient on the side, and, beginning at
the first lumbar vertebra, with the fingers close to the spine,
move the muscles upward and outward down as low as the
lower border of the sacrum.
This treatment should be given every other day, and,
if care is taken, it need not be very painful, and will certainly
cure the most acute case of inflammatory rheumatism in
from two to six weeks. •
Of the numerous cases cured by us, we will mention
that of a gentleman at Webb City, Missouri, who had been
given up by the medical doctors and in whose case the rheu-
matism not only extended the entire length of the spinal
column and right limb, but was felt perceptibly in the heart.
Ten days after the first treatment was given he walked
without his crutches, and in six weeks resumed his usual
vocation, entirely cured.
Another gentleman of the same city, whose right limb
was double its natural size from this disease, was cured in
five days.
Founded as it is upon common sense and scientific
principles, this system of treatment, if properly administered,
is absolutely infallible.
RHEUMATISM IN THE ARMS.
In this trouble we find the muscles of the shoulder at
fault, obstructing either the brachial, axillary, or subclavian
veins.
Treatment.
1st. Raise the arm as high and strongly as possible,
but slowly, above the head. With the thumb of the disen-
Cut 17.
OSTEOPATHY. j 2 x
gaged hand (beginning at the upper border of the scapula)
press upward on the muscles between the scapula and spine,
while raising the arm (see cut 14). Lower the arm with a
backward motion, move the thumb down an inch, and again
raise the arm, repeating until the lower border of the scapula
is reached.
2d. Place one hand on the shoulder, pushing the muscles
toward its point; with the other grasp the patient's elbow,
and, while pressing hard with both hands, move the arm
forward and upward around the head (cut 17).
3d. Grasp the arm with one hand close to the shoulder;
with the other hold the arm from turning and move the
muscles from right to left and from left to right the entire
length of the arm.
4th. Stretch the arm, pulling slowly but very strongly.
This treatment not only cures any form of rheumatism,
but paralysis and various forms of blood disorders in that
member.
RHEUMATISM OF THE ENTIRE SYSTEM.
When inflammatory rheumatism extends over the entire
system, the spinal column as well as the extremities should
be treated.
Treatment.
1st. Place the patient on the side, and, using the arm
as a lever (see cut 3), beginning with the fingers at the base
of the neck, close to the spine, move the muscles upward and
outward the entire length of the spinal column.
2d. Place one hand under the chin, the other under
the back of the head; have an assistant take the feet, and
pull steadily as hard as the patient can stand.
—9—
122 OSTEOPATHY.
It is indeed surprising how quickly a patient responds
to this treatment.
SCIATIC RHEUMATISM.
Sciatic rheumatism may be caused either by a pressure
on the nerve itself in or near the thigh, or in the spine at the
origin of the nerves that form the sacral plexus, of which the
great sacro-sciatic nerve is a continuation.
Treatment.
1st. Flex the leg (with one hand grasping the ankle,
the other resting on the knee) as far as possible toward the
chest, slowly but strongly (cut 6).
2d. Extend the leg, turning the knee in, the foot out
(cut 7).
3d. With one hand on each side of the thigh, move all
the muscles from right to left and vice versa f Yerj deep (cut 13).
4th. Place the patient on the si cte, and, beginning at
the last dorsal vertebra, with the fingers close to the spine,
move the muscles upward and outward from the spine to
the end of the sacrum .
This treatment will cure the most stubborn cases of
sciatic rheumatism in from two to six weeks.
LAME BACK.
Lame back, which may be traced to many different
causes, can be invariably cured by our method; acute cases
instantly, and chronic cases of many years' standing by a
continuation of the treatment.
Treatment.
1st. Place the patient on the side, and, using the limb
Cut 18.
OSTEOPATHY. I2 ^
as a lever (cut 18), with the fingers close to the spine, com-
mencing a little above the last lumbar vertebra (small of
the back), move the muscles up and out from the spine with
each upward motion of the limb.
2d. Extend the limb, move the hands down one inch,
and repeat until the lower part of the sacrum is reached.
3d. Place the patient on the back, and, grasping the
ankle, flex one limb after the other as far as possible toward
the chest, thus stretching the muscles of the back (cut 6).
4th. Place the patient on the face, and, with thumbs
on each side of the spine, beginning at the second lumbar
vertebra, press rather hard, moving the muscles upward;
move the thumbs down one inch, and repeat until you have
reached the second sacral vertebra; being very careful to
work thoroughly and deeply on each side of and a little below
the last lumbar vertebra (cut 19), as it is here the trouble
is usually found.
Here also is found the seat of kidney disease and female
troubles. It is noticeable in those cases that the patient
usually has a weak back, and it has been demonstrated
beyond the shadow of a doubt that, working on these princi-
ples, not only the back, but the accompanying disorders, can
be entirely cured.
Of the many cases of lame backs treated by us, we will
mention that of a gentleman of Baxter Springs, Kansas. He
was assisted into our office, and told how, ten years before,
he was afflicted in a similar manner, being bedfast for six
months and on crutches two years. We gave him a treat-
ment, not occupying over two minutes and curing him
instantly.
We might also mention the case of a gentleman of
Neutral, Kansas, cured by us in two weeks, after having
been given up by the medical fraternity.
I2 6 OSTEOPATHY.
ECZEMA.
Symptoms.
Inflammation of the skin, more or less redness, and
closely packed vesicles, not larger than a pinhead, which
run together, burst, and exude a starch-like fluid. This dis-
ease usually appears on the scalp, behind the ears, on the
face, forearm, or the legs.
Eczema is caused by a contraction that holds the venous
blood in the capillaries of any given part, thus causing a
disease of the skin. It can be readily cured by kneading the
flesh and stretching the muscles between the eruptions and
the heart.
Among the many cases of this trouble cured by us, we
will mention a lady of Galena, Kansas. The eczema was
rapidly advancing toward the body on the right limb, and
all known methods had failed to give relief. By giving the
treatment prescribed for inflammatory rheumatism, thus
freeing the circulation of the blood, she was cured in one
month.
VAKICOSE VEINS.
Symptoms.
The affected veins are dilated, tortuous, knotted, of a
dull leaden or purplish blue color, with much discoloration
of the parts and some swelling of the limb; if a great many
small cutaneous veins are alone affected, they present the
appearance of a close network; the enlarged veins and local
swelling diminish after taking the horizontal position.
Varicose veins are caused by a stoppage of the veins,
usually by a pressure on the long saphenous or femoral vein,
and can be readily cured by stretching the muscles of the
Cut 19.
OSTEOPATHY.
I2Q
thi^h and otherwise treating the limbs as in inflammatory
rheumatism, being very careful in handling the flesh below
the knee.
We will mention our first case of varicose veins to prove
to our readers how easily this disease may be cured by view-
ing the human system as a machine and the arteries and
veins as rivers of blood, easily obstructed. The veins of the
right limb below the knee were almost bursting, while the
dead, stagnant blood in the capillaries formed sores, on
which scales formed, occasionally dropping off, exposing the
raw, bleeding surface beneath. Every known method had
been tried and failed during the ten years he had suffered
with this apparently incurable disease. The long saphenous
vein, which empties into the femoral vein in the thigh, and
whose branches gather and return the venous blood from the
lower part of the leg, gorged, knotted, and distended as large
as the little finger, could be traced to the obstruction, a con-
tracted muscle in the thigh. It almost seems incredible
that, where its cause was so apparent, for years the medical
fraternity would work on the effect, encasing the limb in a
rubber stocking to strengthen the bursting veins, while
throwing medicine into the river above, with some object
in view, unknown to the writer and possibly equally unknown
to themselves. We gave the gentleman four treatments,
stretching and freeing all the muscles of the thigh and start-
ing the blood up the long saphenous vein. His limb immedi-
ately became easier. At this time we were called to southern
Kansas, and after a year, when we had almost forgotten
the incident, we met our old friend in a small Missouri town,
entirely recovered,
I3 OSTEOPATHY.
THE THYEOID GLAND.
The thyroid gland bears much resemblance in structure
to other glandular organs, and was formerly classified to-
gether with the thymus, suprarenal capsules, and spleen,
under the head of ductless glands, since, when fully
developed, it has no excretory duct. The thyroid varies in
weight from one to two ounces. It is larger in the female
than in the male, and slightly increases in size during men-
struation. It is situated at the upper part of the trachea,
and consists of two lateral tubes, placed one on each side
of that tube and connected by a narrow transverse portion,
the isthmus. The arteries supplying the thyroid are the
superior and inferior thyroid, and sometimes a branch from
the innominate artery or arch of the aorta. The arteries are
remarkable for their large size and frequent anastomosis;
the veins form a plexus on the surface of the gland and on
the front of the trachea, from which rise the superior, middle,
and inferior thyroid veins. The two former terminate in
the internal jugular, the latter in the innominate vein.
GOITRE.
Symptoms.
The thyroid gland is subject to enlargement, which is
called goitre. For the relief of these growths various opera-
tions have been resorted to, such as the injection of tincture
of iodine or perchloride of iron, ligature of the thymus, and
extirpation of a part or the whole of the thyroid gland. The
thyroid gland having an unusually large blood-supply, it is
but reasonable to suppose that an obstruction to its veins
would necessitate an enlargement of the gland, or goitre. It
is equally reasonable that if the obstruction is removed, the
Cut 20.
OSTEOPATHY. 1 33
goitre will soon be taken up by absorption and disappear.
Acting on these principles, we have cured hundreds of
goitres. It will be observed that the clavicle (collar-bone)
is not nearly as prominent in people troubled with goitre as
in those not afflicted) with this disease. The contracting
muscles and depressed clavicle, which are obstructing the
escape of the blood from the thyroid gland, cause goitre.
Kaising the clavicle and stretching these muscles cures
goitre, thus proving our theory to be correct.
Treatment.
1st. Stand behind the patient, and, extending the left
arm around the neck, place the left thumb under the right
clavicle (collar-bone) at about its middle; grasp the patient's
right wrist with the disengaged hand, raise the arm slowly
above the head, and lower with a backward motion, at the
same time springing the clavicle up with the thumb of the
left hand; raise the left clavicle in like manner (cut 20).
2d. Place the patient on the back, with one hand under
the chin, the other under the back of the head ; pull gently,
rotating the head in any direction that will best stretch the
muscles in the front and sides of the neck (cut 4).
3d. Place the fingers below the goitre, pulling it upward
and kneading it gently.
This method will cure in from two to six weeks any
goitre on which iodine has not been freely used. Treatment
should be given every other day, and will not occupy over
five minutes' time.
FLESHY TUMORS.
Fleshy tumors, like goitre, are caused by an obstruction
to the veins draining any given part, and are easily cured
by stretching and moving all the flesh and muscles in the
I34 OSTEOPATHY.
immediate vicinity, and kneading and moving the tumor in
all directions.
DISEASES OF THE HEAD.
Granulated eyelids, dripping eyes, inflammation of the
eyes, catarrh, polypus of the nose, catarrhal deafness and
roaring in the head, enlarged tonsils, mumps, erysipelas of
the face, and many other diseases of the head, are caused
by a contracted condition of the muscles of the neck,
obstructing the flow of the venous blood on its return journey
to the heart. The circulation being thus interrupted, disease
at the weakest point is the result. To remove the cause by
a general treatment of the neck is but the work of a moment,
and never fails to> effect a cure.
General Treatment of the Neck.
1st. Place the patient on the back, with one hand under
the chin and the other under the back of the head; pull gently,
rotating the head in all directions, slowly but strongly,
endeavoring to stretch all muscles of the neck (see cut 4).
2d. Pull slowly on the head until the body moves.
3d. Draw the patient's arms slowly but very strongly
high above the head.
GKANULATED EYELIDS.
Symptoms.
In this affection the conjunctival membrane, or white
of the eye, is raised into little projections,presenting a rough,
irregular appearance. It is a consequence of long-continued
or maltreated inflammation, and if not cured, it may in time
occasion opacities of the cornea by the irritation it causes,
followed by blindness.
Cut 21.
OSTEOPATHY. itf
Treatment.
1 st. General treatment of the neck.
2d. Standing at the head of the table, with the index
finger work gently, but >is deeply as possible, moving the
muscles and pressing under the edge of the bone entirely
around the eye (cut 21 j; this frees the circulation and gives
immediate relief.
3d. Pinch the eyelid gently wherever granules are
formed, thus starting a natural circulation.
We have never known this method to fail, even in the
worst cases. One old gentleman at Lewiston. Missouri,
was cured by me in this manner, after suffering fifty years,
in two months' time. The usual time required for an ordinary
case is from two to four weeks. Treatment should be given
every other day.
INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES.
Symptoms.
Inflammation of the eyes often comes on with a sensation
as if sand had got into the eyes. In some instances this
complaint proceeds no farther, but gradually goes; but at
other times it is followed by heat, redness, and rjrickling,
with darting pains.
Treatment.
1st, General treatment of the neck.
2d. With the index finger work gently but firmly under
the edge of the bone surrounding the eye, thus freeing all
ducts and glands, and also starting the circulation (cut 21).
3d. Place the fingers on the patient's temples, and. with
a circular motion, move all the muscles as deeply as possible.
Treatment should be given once each day. This will
-10-
133
OSTEOPATHY.
sure the most aggravated case of inflammation of the eyes
in a few days.
DRIPPING EYES.
Dripping eyes are usually accompanied with a catarrhal
difficulty in the lachrymal duct, which conveys all watery
substances from the eye to the interior of the nose. Its
obstruction causes the overflow at the eye; we must there-
fore cure the catarrh, and the eyes will take care of
themselves.
Treatment.
1st. Give the general treatment for the neck.
2d. Free all the muscles around the eyes as in inflam-
mation and granulation of the eyes (cut 21).
3d. Beginning deep in the corner of the eye, with the
thumb on one side of the nose, the index finger on the other,
move the flesh and muscles upward and downward its entire
length.
This treatment is infallible, cases of twenty years' stand-
ing having been cured by us in one month's time. Treatment
should be given every other day.
CATARRH.
Symptoms.
This disease sometimes prevails epidemically, and it is
to this form medical writers apply the term "influenza,"while
cases that occur incidentally are called catarrh, or cold.
When it prevails epidemically, it undoubtedly depends upon
the state of the atmosphere, though in some cases it has been
attributed to contagion.
In general, it comes on with a dull pain or sense of weight
OSTEOPATHY. 1 39
in the forehead, sometimes preceded by a slight chill, red-
ness of the eyes, and fullness and heat in the nostrils,
which is soon followed by a discharge of thin acrid fluid from
the nose, together with soreness in the windpipe, hoarse-
ness, frequent sneezing, dry cough, loss of apppetite, and
general lassitude; towards evening the pulse becomes con-
siderably quickened and a slight fever arises.
Treatment.
1st. General treatment of the neck.
2d. Beginning deep in the corner of the eyes, move
the muscles upward and downward, with as hard a pressure
as patient can stand, the entire length of the nose.
3d. Placing one hand on the back of the head, the other
on the forehead, press very hard, moving the muscles of the
forehead in all directions, especially those immediately over
the eyes.
Treat each day for one week, when the patient will be
on a fair way to recovery; one month's treatment will cure
the most stubborn case.
CATARRHAL DEAFNESS AND ROARING IN THE
HEAD.
Catarrhal deafness can be always benefited, and usually
cured, by the catarrh treatment, after which the patient
should endeavor to breathe while holding the nose and
mouth, thus springing the drums of the ear and starting the
circulation.
POLYPUS IN THE NOSE.
Symptoms.
When the polypus is located in the nose, there is a nasal
sound in the voice, the patient acquires the habit of keeping
I40 OSTEOPATHY.
his mouth open to facilitate breathing, there is difficulty
of swallowing liquids, the nose is enlarged externally on the
affected side, and on looking up the nostril the polypus may
be seen. In consequence of the stuffy symptoms which a
polypus occasions, it may at first be mistaken for a cold in
the head; but, on the nose being violently blown, the polypus
descends and appears near the orifice, causing the obstruc-
tion to return, contrary to the usual result of such an
operation.
Treatment.
General treatment of the neck and other catarrhal treat-
ment once each day. A cure is guaranteed.
MUMPS.
Symptoms.
At first there is a feeling of stiffness and soreness on
moving the jaw, and the child complains of discomfiture on
eating; indeed, the pain caused by eating, or even drinking,
is sometimes agonizing. The glands under the ear soon
begin to swell, and they continue to be sore and painful,
with more or less fever and headache, for about a week.
There is little danger, although there are instances in which,
from exposure to cold or from cold applications, the disease
has been transmitted to the testicles in boys and to the
breasts of girls.
Treatment.
General and very thorough treatment of the neck once
each day. Instant relief and a cure are guaranteed.
OSTEOPATHY. 141
ENLARGEMENT OF THE TONSILS.
Enlargement of the tonsils may be of two kinds:
1. The common abscess, occurring in inflammatory sore
throat.
2. Chronic swelling, generally the consequence of
previous inflammation of the gland in a scrofulous! person.
They often become so large as to impede both respiration
and swallowing.
Treatment.
General treatment of the neck once each day. A cure
is guaranteed
ERYSIPELAS IX THE FACE.
Symptoms.
Erysipelas is known by a spreading, inflammatory red-
ness of the skin, with considerable puffy swelling, tenderness,
burning, painful tingling, and tensions. The color varies
from a faint red to a dark red or purplish color, becoming
white under pressure, but resuming its former color at the
removal of the rjressure. An attack is usually ushered in
with shivering, languor, headache, nausea, bilious vomiting,
and the ordinary symptoms of inflammatory fever, ac-
companied or followed by inflammation of the part affected.
When erysipelas attackstkeface,it nearly always commences
at the side of the nose or near the angle of the eye.
Treatment.
General and very thorough treatment of the neck. In-
stant relief and a cure are guaranteed.
I42 OSTEOPATHY.
WHOOPING-COUGH.
Symptoms.
The cough is accompanied by a shrill, Reiterated whoop;
vomiting is also a frequent incident. It is contagious under
certain circumstances, which are not well understood. The
disease comes on with the usual symptoms of catarrh. The
whoop or sonorous spasm is frequently violent, the face
becoming turgid and purple from suffusion and the eyeballs
swollen and prominent. The paroxysms at first recur several
times during the day, are most violent toward evening, and
least so during the night. After the disease has continued
some time, they return only in the morning and evening; and
at the end of the disease, in the evening only. The violence
of the disease varies from the slightest indisposition, without
feverishness, to the severest spasmodic agitation, attended
with high and dangerous fever. In duration it varies from
one week to one year, the usual period ranging from three
weeks to three months,
Treatment.
1st. General treatment of the neck.
2d. Place the patient on the back, and, one operator
grasping each wrist, raise the hands high above the head, at
the same time placing the fingers of the disengaged hand
between the patient's shoulders, close to the spine, at the
upper border of the scapula, and pressing hard as the arms
are drawn slowly up; lower the arms with a backward mo-
tion; move the fingers one inch down the spine, and repeat
until the lower border of the scapula is reached (cut 1).
Treat each day until the disease is cured.
OSTEOPATHY. I4 3
PNEUMONIA.
Symptoms.
Pneumonia generally comes on insidiously, with rest-
lessness and feverish disturbance, and sometimes has made
great progress before the true character of the disease has
been discovered. There is a deep-seated, dull pain beneath
the breast-bone or shoulder-blade; a great feeling of illness;
frequent short cough, with expectoration of viscid matter of
a green, yellow, or pale color, sometimes tinged with blood,
which forms such tenacious masses that} inversion of the
vessel containing them will not detach them. Profuse green
expectoration is !a serious symptom. The breathing is
hurried and difficult, the skin hot, especially in the regions
of the armpits and ribs; there is no moisture in the nostrils,
and there exists great thirst. If the disease is unchecked,
the face often exhibits patches of redness and lividity and
the blood-vessels of the neck become swollen and tur'gid.
The patient may sink either from exhaustion or obstruction
of the lungs.
Treatment.
1st. General treatment of the neck.
2d. Place the knee between the shoulders and raise the
arms sloAvly, gently, but very strongly, high above the head,
lowering them with a backward motion (cut 2).
Treat every few hours as the case may seem to require.
Instant relief will be the result of this treatment, and in a few
days a complete cure. We have taken numerous cases in
their last stages, and never failed to be rewarded with the
most gratifying results.
144
OSTEOPATHY.
NEURALGIA.
Symptoms.
This is a disease of the nervous system, and the
symptoms consist of severe paroxysms of pain, of a purely
nervous character. The pain is generally very severe and
more or less darting, sometimes burning, tearing, aching,
and beating. In some cases it causes the patient to start
suddenly, and spasmodic twitchings of the muscles are not
uncommon. Sometimes there is tenderness of the part on
pressure, especially on slight pressure, while hard pressure
affords partial relief.
This disease is not confined to any particular part of the
body. When it is in the nerves of the jaws and teeth, it
causes one of the most distressing and unendurable forms
of toothache. The eyes, temples, heart, spine, and stomach
are not unfrequently attacked, and it frequently shifts from
one to the other.
Treatment.
Neuralgia of any part should be treated in a similar
manner to rheumatism of that part. If in the face, a general
treatment of the neck should be given (page 134). A general
treatment is often beneficial.
This disease is very stubborn, and while we have cured
a great many cases instantly, in others we have been
entirely baffled.
SAINT VITUS'S DANCE.
This is a disease characterized by convulsive movements
of the limbs, occasioning ludicrous gesticulations, and arising
from involuntary action of the muscles. It has been wit-
tily termed "insanity of the voluntary muscles." This dis-
OSTEOPATHY. I45
ease is caused by a pressure at some point along the spinal
column upon the cerebrospinal cord, and can be either cured
or greatly benefited by this method of treatment.
Treatment.
1st. Give general treatment of the spine (cut 3, page 33).
2d. Place one hand under the back of the head, the
other under the chin, and pull slowly, the patient relaxing
all his muscles until the body moves on the table.
3d. While pulling gently, rotate the head from side to
side (cut 4).
4th. Treat the extremities as in rheumatism.
Treatment should be given every other day.
FISTULA.
Fistula usually commences with swelling near the rec-
tum, attended with great pain, hardness, and acute inflamma-
tion; the tumor advances slowly to suppuration, and matter
is formed.
In some cases, however, the disease proceeds till an
opening is formed, with very little pain — so much so, that
the patient is ignorant of the time when it formed ; but more
generally the pain is very severe, swelling great, and sup-
puration very extensive, and, in consequence of the pressure
upon the neck of the bladder or urethra, there is a suppression
of urine.
Fistula may be caused either by a fall or riding a spirited
horse, bruising and possibly dislocating the coccyx, or "tail-
bone," as it is usually called, causing a pressure on the veins
which return the blood from these parts.
Treatment.
1st. Place the patient on the side, and, using the limb
as a lever (cut 18), with the hands, beginning at the second
146
OSTEOPATHY.
lumbar vertebra, move the muscles upward and outward
from the spine with each upward motion of the limb, work-
ing down with the hands as low as the coccyx, very
thoroughly.
2d. Flex the limbs strongly against the chest.
3d. Pass the index finger up the rectum and move the
coccyx a little each treatment to its normal position.
This treatment will cure the worst case of fistula in from
two to six weeks.
PILES.
A sensation of heat, fullness, and perhaps itching, is
felt about the anus; the swelling increases until small tumors
form, which are sore and painful; these may be external and
visible or internal, and are often of a bluish color, and, when
inflamed, they are very sore and painful to the touch. There
is frequently a discharge of blood, especially from internal
piles, and such discharges often return repeatedly until a
habit is established, and there is a feeling of fullness before
and relief after such discharges.
Piles that do not bleed are called blind; this variety is
apt to take on inflammation, when they become full, appear
ready to burst, and are so very sensitive the patient can
neither sit, lie down, nor walk.
Piles are really a varicose condition of the rectum, and
are usually the result of an obstruction of the hemorrhoidal
. veins.
Treatment.
1st. Piles are often caused by constipation, and in such
cases our constipation treatment (page 69) will usually effect
a cure.
OSTEOPATHY. I47
2d. Place the patient on the face, and, with a thumb
on each side of the spine, beginning at the first sacral ver-
tebra, move the muscles very deeply upward and outward
from the spine, working down to the end of the coccyx.
3d. If the patient has itching or bleeding piles, pass
the index finger its entire length up the rectum, very care-
fully moving the inner muscles from side to side, thus freeing
the circulation. In protuding piles they should be replaced,
and the same internal treatment given.
There is no danger in this treatment, and we have never
known it to fail to effect a cure in from two to six weeks. The
internal treatment, which is rather painful, should be given
but once a week, and always after flushing the bowels. Most
cases of piles can be cured simply by our constipation treat-
ment which removes the usual cause of this distressing
complaint.
Of the many aggravated cases cured by us, we will men-
tion the case of a gentleman of Scammon, Kansas, whose
piles protruded an inch and had not been replaced for
twenty years. We took the case as an experiment, hardly
hoping to effect a cure. In three weeks our patient} was
entirely well, and up to the present time has had no return
of his old trouble.
ABSCESSES.
Symptoms.
Abscesses first appear as a hot, hard swelling, accom-
panied by a burning, dull, throbbing sensation; as the swell-
ing gradually increases the skin covering it assumes a pur-
ple or brownish red tint, and in a few days softens and sup-
puration takes place at several points; the matter is a thin,
watery, and scanty discharge, but, if pressure be applied, a
thick, glutinous fluid may be squeezed out.
148
OSTEOPATHY.
Treatment.
1st. Move the flesh and muscles very deeply in all
directions for some distance around the abscess.
2d. Move the abscess from side to side, pressing and
rubbing it gently.
Any abscess can be cured in this manner in a very few
days, and the pain instantly relieved.
COLD, HOT, OR ACHING FEET AND MILK LEG.
These troubles are caused by a contraction of the mus-
cles, usually in the thigh in cold extremities, obstructing the
free flow of arterial blood, while in the latter troubles it is
the returning blood which is obstructed; in either case the
heart, pumping the blood steadily against the obstruction,
is at a disadvantage, and soon heart disease is the result.
J!y using the leg as a lever, moving and stretching the mus-
cles in all possible directions, we remove the cause, and an
immediate cure is the result.
Treatment.
The same as in inflammatory rheumatism (page 117).
BACKACHE.
Treatment.
Place the patient on the side, and, beginning at the first
lumbar vertebra, with the fingers close to the spine, with a
steady pressure move the muscles upward and outward with
a circular motion, moving the fingers down one inch after
each upward motion until the lower part of the sacrum is
reached; treat the other side in a similar manner.
Instant relief is always the result of this treatment, and,
if continued a few days, a permanent cure. Treatment
should be given each day.
OSTEOPATHY.
BILIOUSNESS.
149
Symptoms.
There is more or less fullness and sensation of a load or
other symptoms of uneasiness in the region of the stomach;
there is languor, dull headache, or sleepiness, and sometimes
slight yellowishness of the eyes and skin.
Treatment.
1st. General treatment of the spine (page 32).
2d. Place the knee between the shoulders on the fourth
dorsal vertebra, and, while pressing hard, raise the arms
slowly but very strongly high above the head, lowering them
with a backward motion (cut 2).
The most stubborn case can be cured in this manner in
from two to six weeks, treatment to be given every other
day.
3ALDNESS.
Baldness is caused by an obstruction in the cutaneous
circulation, and can be prevented by our method of
treatment.
Treatment.
1st. General treatment of the neck (page 134).
2d. ^fove the scalp in all directions, working it as loose
as possible, once each day, thus freeing the blood-supply.
It is indeed surprising how soon this treatment will
check the falling" out of the hair and promote a renewed
growth.
I5 OSTEOPATHY.
CANKER OF THE MOUTH.
Symptoms.
This disease is characterized by the membrane covering
the sides of the tongue and inside of the cheeks becoming red
and inflamed, and afterwards covered with large ulcers.
The tongue becomes swollen, there is a profuse secretion of
saliva, the breath is offensive, and swallowing is difficult.
Treatment.
1st. General treatment of the neck.
2d. Place the finger in the mouth and gently move the
inflamed swollen surface as deeply as possible in all direc-
tions, rubbing the ulcers gently.
This treatment starts the circulation, gives immediate
relief, and in a few days a complete cure. Treatment is to
be given once each day.
CRICK IN THE NECK.
This is a form of rheumatism caused by a cold draught
striking the neck. The muscles of that side of the neck con-
tract, causing difficulty in moving the head. This can be in-
stantly cured by a thorough general treatment of the neck.
EARACHE.
Symptoms.
An excessive throbbing pain in the ear. The more vio-
lent forms of this disease are attended with excruciating,
throbbing pains, delirium, and sometimes convulsions.
OSTEOPATHY. I5I
Treatment
1st. General treatment of the neck.
2d. Place the finger in the ear and move the muscles as
deeply as possible.
3d. Place the lips close to the ear and blow gently, but
very hard.
4th. Move all the muscles deeply immediately around
the ear.
Instant relief is usually the result; in very stubborn
cases several treatments may be necessary.
PIMPLES.
Pimples are caused by an obstruction to the cutaneous
veins, and are easily cured by a general treatment of the neck
(page 134).
DIZZINESS.
Symptoms.
The patient is suddenly seized with a sense of swimming
in the head; everything appears to him to turn around; he
staggers, and is in danger of falling. This complaint is at-
tended with very little danger when it arises from hysterics
or any nervous disorder, but when it arises from an un-
natural quantity of blood in the head, there is danger of
apoplexy. This complaint often proceeds from difficult or
obstructed menstruation.
Treatment.
This disease can be cured in from two to six weeks by
our general treatment (page 93), which will remove the cause
and permit a natural flow of all the fluids of the body.
I5 2 OSTEOPATHY,
FITS AND CONVULSIONS.
While fits and convulsions can be instantly relieved by
a genral treatment of the neck (page 134) and spine (page 32),
as a rule, they are very stubborn, not over 50 per cent being-
cured by our method, and those cases only after long-con-
tinued treatment, to be given every other day.
HOARSENESS.
A general treatment of the neck once or twice each day
will cure this trouble in a very short time.
CHRONIC GOUT.
This is a persistent constitutional affection, character-
ized by stiffness and swelling of various joints, with depos-
its of urate of soda.
Symptoms.
The deposits in the joints constitute the distinguishing
feature. Chronic stiffness and swelling of various joints,
with pain, are considered as cases of chronic rheumatism or
gout.
Treatment.
1st. Treat the limbs as in inflammatory rheumatism
every other day.
A continuation of this treatment will be of vast benefit
to the patient, even though it may not effect a complete cure.
HIP DISEASE (WHITE SWELLING).
This is a very painful disease, and is usually seated on
some of the joints of the body, principally the hip,, knee,
ankle, and elbow. The skin remains wiiite, even in great
OSTEOPATHY.
*53
inflammation. Sometimes the disease is rather mild in its
character, at others very painful ; the seat of the pain is in the
periosteum, or covering of the bone, which in most cases be-
comes diseased and scales off.
( Symptoms.
In the commencement there is a very severe pain felt deep
in the joint, and when the person moves, the pain becomes
intolerable; as it progresses, there is swelling, but no red-
ness — a shining whiteness, with hardness or callous; it
slowly increases until the swelling is very great; there is a
discharge of matter; the limb wastes, becomes bent, and>
when in the hip, osseous matter fills up the joint and slowly
dislocates the head of the bone, either causing permanent dis-
location or stiffness in the process of time; there are gener-
ally small pieces of bone detached; the patient is very thin,
with much constitutional disturbance, hectic fever, etc.
Treatment.
This disease, if taken in a reasonable time, can be cured
in a few treatments.
1st. Move the joint in all directions as strongly as the
patient can stand.
2d. With the hands move all the flesh and muscles very
deeply for some distance around the joint, thus freeing the
circulation and permitting Nature to act.
After dislocation takes place, the treatment w^ill loosen
the joint and render the limb much more useful.
CBAMP IN THE LEGS.
Symptoms.
Sudden contraction of the muscles of the calf of the leg,
frequently the result of indigestion.
—11-
I54 OSTEOPATHY.
Treatment.
1st. Flex the limb strongly against the chest (cut 6),
extending it with a light jerk.
2d. Move all the muscles of the leg very deeply from
right to left and left to right, beginning at the thigh.
This treatment will give instaut relief, and a few treat-
ments will effect a permanent cure.
COLIC.
Symptoms.
Severe twisting, griping pain in the abdomen, chiefly
around the navel, relieved by pressure, so that the patient
doubles himself up, lies on his stomach, or rolls on the floor,
writhing in agony. The bowels are usually constipated, but
there is a frequent desire to relieve them, although little is
passed but Avind; there is no fever, nor is the pulse even
quickened unless after a time it becomes so from anxiety.
The paroxysms of pain are owing to the efforts of the bowels
above to force downwards the mass of accumulated gas or
feces, while the lower portion is contracted. Colic is some-
times mistaken for inflammation of the bowels, but may be
distinguished by the fact that in colic there is no fever, and
in inflammation the fever is high and there is great accelera-
tion of the pulse.
Treatment.
1st. Place the knee in the back at the twelfth dorsal
vertebra, and raise the arms high above the head, lifting
strongly while pressing hard with the knee.
2d. Bend the patient backward over the knee.
3d. Place patient on the back and knead the bowels as
in constipation (page 70).
This treatment will usually give instant relief.
OSTEOPATHY. 1 55
FAINTING.
Fainting is a Joss of volition and muscular power with
complete or partial loss of consciousness, due to defective
nervous power. It has various causes: debility from consti-
tutional tendencies, or from loss of blood or other animal
fluids; emotional disturbances, fright, sudden joy or grief,
hysteria, etc. Many persons faint on seeing blood or a
wound.
Treatment.
1st. General treatment of the neck (page 134).
2d. General treatment of the spine (page 32).
THE UTERUS.
That our readers may gain a more correct understanding
of our method of treating diseases peculiar to women, it will
be necessary to refer once more to the anatomy.
The uterus is the organ of gestation, receiving the
fecundated ovum in its cavity, retaining and supporting it
during the development of the foetus, and becoming the
principal agent in its expulsion at the time of parturition.
In the virgin state it is pear-shaped, flattened from before
backward, and situated in the cavity of the pelvis between
the bladder and rectum; it is retained in its position by the
round and broad ligament on each side and projecting into
the vagina below. Its upper end, or base, is directed upward
and forward; its lower end, or apex, downward and back-
ward in line of the axis of the inlet of the pelvis. The uterus
measures about three inches in length, two in breadth at its
upper part, and nearly an inch in thickness, and weighs from
an ounce to an ounce and one-half.
The size, weight, and location of the uterus varies at
I5 6 OSTEOPATHY.
different periods of life and under different circumstances.
In the foetus the uterus is contained in the abdominal cavity,
projecting beyond the brim of the pelvis. At puberty the
uterus is piriform in shape, and weighs from eight to ten
drams; it has descended into the pelvis, the fundus being
just below the level of the brim of this cavity. During men-
struation the organ is enlarged and more vascular, its sur-
faces rounder, and the lining membrane of the body thicker,
softer, and of a darker color. During pregnancy the uterus
becomes enormously enlarged, and in the ninth month
reaches the epigastric region. After parturition the uterus
regains nearly its natural position and size, weighing about
an ounce and a half.
THE FALLOPIAX TUBES.
The Fallopian tubes, or oviducts, convey the ova from
the ovaries to the cavity of the uterus; they are two in num-
ber, one on each side, situated in the upper margin of the
broad ligament, extending from each superior angle of the
uterus to the sides of the pelvis; each tube is about four
inches in length. The general direction of the Fallopian
tubes is outward, backward, and downward. The uterine
opening is minute, and will only admit a fine bristle; the ab-
dominal opening is comparatively much larger.
THE OVARIES.
The ovaries are oval-shaped bodies, flattened from above
downward, situated one on each side of the uterus in the
posterior part of the broad ligament, behind and below the
Fallopian tubes. Each ovary is connected by its anterior
straight margin to the broad ligament, by its inner extremity
to the uterus by a proper ligament, the ligament of the ovary,
OSTEOPATHY. ! 5 7
and by its outer end to the fimbriated extremity of the
Fallopian tube. The ovaries are each about an inch and a
half in length, three-quarters of an inch in width, and about
a third of an inch in thickness. The uterus being suspended
by muscles and ligaments in the cavity of the pelvis, and
being subject to so many and such radical changes, it is in
no way surprising that ulceration, polypus, cancer, and
prolapse of the uterus are so very prevalent.
DISPLACEMENTS OF THE UTERUS.
The true pathology or proximate condition of these
affections is but little understood by the medical profession,
as is apparent from the general ill success attending the ordi-
nary treatment. The term prolapsus is used indiscriminately
for all degrees of simple descent or falling of the womb; but
some books use the term relaxation when the descent is only
to the middle of the vagina, procidentia when the uterus
descends to the labia, and prolapsus when it protrudes exter-
nally. Retroversion is that form of displacement in which
the fundus uteri descends toward the sacrum, the os uteri,
or mouth of the womb, inclining towards the pubes. Antever-
sion is the reverse of the preceding, the fundus falling for-
ward and the os uteri inclining backward. In inversion the
organ is turned inside out while in a state of prolapse. In
some cases the upper part of the vagina protrudes into the
lower, constituting what is called prolapse of the vagina.
Symptoms.
Prolapse of the uterus is attended with a heavy, dis-
agreeable, or painful dragging-down sensation at the lower
part of the abdomen, aching or weakness about the small of
the back, and, when severe, great difficulty or inability in
walking. At first there is increased 'mucous (secretion,
i 5 8 OSTEOPATHY.
which increases by degrees until it acquires the character
of an obstinate leueorrhea.
When the uterus is retroverted, the bowels are irregular
or constipated, and from the pressure of the displaced organ
in the rectum behind and urethra in front there is more or
less difficulty experienced in expelling the contents of the
bowels and bladder. In this situation the womb often be-
comes congested, inflammatory, and enlarged, and every
attempt at walking is exceedingly painful and exhausting.
In bad cases the patient can only endure a. fixed, motionless
position in her chair or bed. There is, too, usually consider-
able tenderness and tension of the whole abdomen.
Anteversion is a less frequent occurrence; it is denoted
by difficulty in walking, sense of weight or fullness in the
pelvis, with many of the symptoms of prolapse, and is at-
tended with much less difficulty in evacuating urine and
faeces than retroversion.
Inversion is known by the organ hanging down exter-
nally; it is usually the result of violence in extracting the
placenta, but may occur from an adhesion of the placenta
or from polypous tumors. In some instances the falling of
the uterus or vagina drags along the bladder with it, consti-
tuting what is called complicated prolapse. In this case the
bladder, being deprived of the expulsory aid of the abdom-
inal muscles, is incapable of evacuating its contents without
artificial assistance.
Genital excrescence consists in polypus or other tumors
issuing from the surface of the uterus or vagina ; they are of
all sizes and various degrees of consistency, from the soft-
ness of the sponge to the firmness of leather.
Special Causes.
Although medical authors and professors of midwifery
are continually talking about "relaxation of ligaments,"
OSTEOPATHY. x 59
which hold the uterus in position, as the main cause of its
displacement, it is quite clear that this relaxation has noth-
ing whatever to do with it; the yielding or elongation of the
ligament itself being an effect of the displacement. The nat-
ural supports of the uterus are the vagina and abdominal
muscles; if the former is greatly relaxed, the uterus will
descend, and the ligaments, being kept constantly on the
stretch, will finally elongate more or less; and if the abdom-
inal muscles are greatly debilitated, they do not contract
vigorously, so as to keep up equable and uniform compres-
sion in all the various positions of the body, and hence the
uterus is liable to fall forward or backward, or to incline
laterally; and when both are badly relaxed and debilitated,
we find both conditions of displacement — falling down and
tipping transversely across the pelvis.
In corroboration of this view of the subject, we may
advert to the fact that all the cases of uterine displacement
met with in our practice, with the single and rare exception
of such as are produced by violence, occur in females who
suffer from the very circumstances which are most efficient
in inducing muscular relaxation of these parts, as constipa-
tion, piles, dyspepsia, nervous debility, mis-menstruation,
abortions or miscarriages, preternatural labors, etc.
It is a well-known fact that all cases of female troubles
are accompanied by a weak, lame back, and it is to this point
we trace the real cause of most cases of falling of the womb
and other troubles peculiar to women. Either by an acci-
dent or overwork, the muscles of the back, from the first
lumbar vertebra to the last sacral, have become strained,
causing contraction and a consequent pressure on the nerves
which control the organs of generation, thus breaking the
nervous current from the brain to these parts, interfering
with the circulation and permitting the muscles which hold
i6o OSTEOPATHY.
the organs of generation in place to relax. The fact that our
treatment gives not only instant relief in most eases, but a
permanent cure in all. if continued from three to six weeks.
is ample proof that in female complaints, as well as in all
other troubles to which it has been applied, the never-failing
principles of Osteopathy are as superior to the old methods
of healing as electricity is superior to the tallow candle.
Treatment.
1st. If the patient is constipated, flush the bowels and
give constipation treatment (page 69).
2d. Place the patient on the side: beginning at the
first lumbar vertebra, with the fingers close to the spine.
move the muscles gently but very deeply upward and out-
ward from the spine, as low as the last sacral vertebra, being
very thorough. In the sacral region move all the muscles
upward very deeply, for about two inches, on each side of
the spine, as it is here we strike foramina f openings in the
bone) that transmit nerves directly to the organs in question.
3d. Insert the finger and move the womb gently to its
normal position.
The local treatment is seldom if ever necessary. We
have noticed, in our extensive practice, that while adjusting
the uterus gave temporary relief, cases in which no local
treatment was given recoverd as rapidly, thus proving that
' to free and stretch the muscles of the back, removing all pres-
sure from the nerves, enabling them to regain control of the
parts in question, would cause the muscles attached to the
uterus to contract and draw that organ to its proper position.
Immediately after the first treatment, the back will feel
easier, and in a few weeks at most a complete and permanent
<oire will be effected. We take great pleasure in recom-
mending this treatment to the public, it is so easily adminis-
tered and so infallible.
Cut 22.
OSTEOPATHY. ^3
SUPPRESSED MENSTRUATION.
Suppressed menstruation is attended with headache,
difficult breathing, and palpitation; also languor and many
dyspeptic symptoms, particularly a capricious ajmetite, and
not infrequently a longing for innutrient and injurious sub-
stances, as clay, slate- stone, charcoal, etc. In many ca,ses
there is an harassing cough and symptoms of a general
decline.
Treatment.
1st. Place the patient on the face, and, with the thumbs
on each side of the spine, beginning at the first lumbar verte-
bra, move the muscles very deeply upward and outward from
the spine as low as the last sacral vertebra (cut 19).
2d. Place the fingers! close to the spine, and, with a
steady pressure, draw the hands outward and upward on each
side from the first lumbar vertebra to the sacrum (see cut 22).
3d. Place one thumb on each side of the spine, begin-
ning at the second lumbar vertebra, and, while pressing hard,
have an assistant move the limbs gently to the left, raising
them as high as the patient can bear and returning them to
their former position) with a circular motion. Move the
thumbs down one inch and repeat until the second sacral
vertebra is reached (cut 23). Care should be taken to move
the limbs slowly and to raise them only as high as the pa-
tient can readily bear.
This treatment in these cases is infallible. In ordinary
cases two or three treatments will effect a cure; but one
stubborn case in our experience, that of a young lady who
had been sufferng for two years, took three months.
164
OSTEOPATHY.
LEUCORRHEA.
Symptoms.
Generally there is a profuse mucous discharge from the
utero-vaginal lining membrane of a white, cream, yellow, or
greenish color, thin and watery or of the consistency of
starch or gelatine, and it may be inodorous or fetid. When
the discharge proceeds from the vagina, it is generally a
light, creamy-looking fluid ; in ulceration of the mouth of the
womb it is profuse and semipurulent. In severe cases the
whole system becomes injuriously affected; the face is pale
or sallow, the functions of digestion are impaired, there are
dull pains in the loins and abdomen, cold extremities, palpi-
tation and difficult breathing after exertion, debility and loss
of energy, and partial or entire suppression of the menstrual
flow.
Treatment.
A thorough general treatment every other day, being
^tho
disease.
very thorough in the lumbar region, will cure any case of this
CHANGE OF LIFE.
Symptoms.
While the change is in progress there is commonly more
or less functional disturbance of the general health, the nerv-
ous system especially manifesting various changes, such as
vertigo, syncope, headache, flushes of heat, urinary troubles,
pains in the back extending down the thighs with creeping
sensations, heat in the lower part of the abdomen, occa-
sional swelling of the lower extremities, itching of the pri-
vate parts, mental irritability and restlessness, culminating
seriously sometimes, especially in patients of a decided nerv-
Cut 23.
OSTEOPATHY.
167
ous character. Sometimes menstruation ceases abruptly.
The monthly period may be arrested by cold, fright, or some
illness; earlier in life the suppression would have been fol-
lowed by a return of menstruation after removal of the
cause, but now Nature adopts this opportunity to terminate
the function. Gradual termination is, however, more fre-
quent and is attended with less disturbance of health. In
gradual extinction one period is missed and then there is a
return, a longer time elapses and there is an excessive flow;
this continues for a time, the returns being fewer and farther
apart, until they cease altogether.
At this critical period there is not infrequently an
enlargement of the abdomen, which, though it may occur ear-
lier in life, is due to causes peculiar to this.
Treatment.
A general treatment every other day will equalize the
circulation and give wonderful relief (page 93).
GATHERED BREASTS.
Symptoms.
When inflammation occurs in the tissues behind the
breast and on which it is placed, the pain is severe, throbbing,
deep-seated, and increased by moving the arm and shoulder;
the breast becomes swollen, red, and more prominent,
being pushed forward by the abscess behind. Sometimes,
but less frequently, the breast itself is involved, when the
pain becomes very acute and cutting, the swelling very con-
siderable, and there is much constitutional disturbance —
quick, full pulse, hot skin, thirst, headache, sleeplessness,
etc. This variety of gathered breasts is preceded by rigors
(shivering fits), followed by heat.
X 68 OSTEOPATHY.
Treatment.
1st. Raise the arms high above the head, with the knee
between the shoulders, lowering the arms with a backward
motion.
2d. Move all the muscles near the breasts very deeply.
3d. Move the breasts gently in all directions, raising
them up and endeavoring to free all the glands, muscles,
and circulation.
Treat every few hours. Immediate relief, and a cure in
a very short time, will be the result.
OBSTETRICS.
In all cases of obstetrics, except those in which through
some malformation it becomes necessary to use instruments
in effecting the delivery, Osteopathy is indeed a grand suc-
cess, diminishing the hours of labor at least three-fourths
and reducing the suffering of the patient in a most remark-
able manner.
Treatment.
1st. During the first stage of labor, with a finger on
either side of the clitoris, press gently but rather hard; this
pressure will cause a painless and complete dilatation of the
cervix in a comparatively short time. Remove the fingers
for an instant, and the patient screams with pain; resume
the pressure, and instant relief is the result.
2d. In the second stage, as soon as the bearing-down
pains begin, press gently but rather hard from the second
to the last lumbar vertebra, on each side of the spine. As long
as the pressure is continued, your patient will suffer no pain;
remove your hands for an instant, and she cries: "Oh, Doc-
tor! my back! my back!" It seems that a pressure at the
OSTEOPATHY.
169
points in question must, in some remarkable manner, break
the nervous current between the brain and the muscles that
are resisting the delivery of the foetus, thus depriving them of
their power of contraction and permitting the almost unob-
structed and painless delivery of the child.
3d. During the interval of rest between the birth of the
child and the delivery of the placenta flex the limb upon the
chest, and, while an assistant presses hard on the great
trochanter, extend the leg, abducting the knee and adduct-
ing the foot as much as possible; it will take but a moment
and remove the cause of the numerous aches and pains in the
hips and limbs, often the result of confinement.
If the physician or midwife in attendance will adopt
this method as an accessory to their usual treatment, they
will be surprised and gratified at the results.
THE SKELETON.
The entire skeleton in the adult consist of 200 bones.
The vertebrse are 33 in number, and are called cervical,
dorsal, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal, according to the posi-
tion which they occupy; 7 being found in the cervical region,
12 in the dorsal, 5 in the lumbar, 5 in the sacral, and 4 in the
coccygeal. The average length of the spine is about 2 feet
and 2 or 3 inches; of this length the cervical part measures
about 5, the dorsal 11, the lumbar about 7 inches, and the
sacrum and coccyx the remainder.
The bones of the cranium are 8 in number, while those
of the face number 14.
The os hyoides, sternum, and ribs, 26.
The upper extremities, 64.
The lower extremities, 62.
The bones of the upper extremities consist of the clavi-
T OSTEOPATHY.
cle, or collar-bone; the scapula, or shoulder-blade; the
humerus, the longest and largest bone of the upper extrem-
ities; the ulna, so called from its forming the elbow; the
radius, lying side by side with the ulna; 8 carpal or wrist
bones, 5 metacarpal or bones of the palm, and the 14 bones
of the phalanges or fingers.
The bones of the lower extremities consist of the os in-
nominatum, so called from its bearing no resemblance to any
known object, which, with its fellow, forms the sides and an-
terior wall of the pelvis (in the young it consists of three sepa-
ratebones, and although in the adult they have become united,
it is usually described as the ileum, ischium, and os pubes);
the femur, or thigh-bone, the largest, longest, and strongest
bone in the body; the patella, in front of the knee-joint; the
tibia, the fibula, 7 tarsal and 5 metatarsal bones, and 14
phalanges.